Champions League: Beaten Wenger accepts Bayern superiority

Arsenal manager concedes German giants the better team after 3-1 loss.


Afp February 20, 2013
Arsenal face a difficult task of turning a 3-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the second leg. PHOTO: AFP

LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted his side had been outclassed in their 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich and said it seemed ‘impossible’ to turn the Champions League last 16 tie around.

Eliminated from both domestic cup competitions and 21 points off the pace in the Premier League, Arsenal know the Champions League represents their only chance of picking up a first piece of silverware since 2005.

“Let’s not hide the truth, it will be very difficult and we will try to make the impossible possible,” Wenger told ITV. “We will try to play like we do at home and try to change the score. The third goal makes it very difficult, but we will try.”

Goals from Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller put the visitors 2-0 up by the 21st minute and although Lukas Podolski replied early in the second period, Mario Mandzukic galvanised Bayern’s grip on the tie with 13 minutes to play.

Wenger admitted that his team had been ‘a bit nervous’, but said there was no shame in losing to a team who have reached the Champions League final in two of the previous three seasons.

“You have to give them credit for their class. In patches in the first half, Bayern’s play was of a different quality to ours. However, I still have confidence in my players and my team. Results like tonight (Tuesday) show there’s work to do.”

In the other match FC Porto registered a 1-0 win over Malaga.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21st, 2013.

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