German giants return to confront confident Arsenal

Wenger believes his side is well prepared to face Bayern.

LONDON:

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal have no reason to fear Bayern Munich as they prepare to face the Champions League holders in the first leg of the last 16 on Wednesday.

Just 12 months after they crashed out of Europe’s elite club competition at the hands of the German giants, Wenger’s team have an opportunity for revenge after being drawn to face Bayern at the same stage.

Arsenal was outclassed in the first leg last season as Bayern cruised to a 3-1 victory in north London. But the Gunners responded with a shock 2-0 win in the return game and came close to completing a stunning fight back before bowing out on away goals.

Bayern, now coached by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, are arguably an even more formidable force this season than they were last year, when they won the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup.

But Wenger remains optimistic and the Gunners manager is confident the experience of last season’s encounters will stand his players in good stead as they seek to end Bayern’s reign as holders.

“Hopefully, we will be in a better condition than our fixture last year ” said the Arsenal manager.

Flamini confident ahead of clash

The Gunners’ French midfielder Mathieu Flamini sees no reason for his teammates to go into the tie with an inferiority complex.

“What I will say about this season is that I see a great commitment, I see everyone working very hard on the pitch and helping each other,” said Flamini.

“We know it won’t be an easy game because Bayern are a very strong team, but we are Arsenal, we have big ambitions. We will do everything to qualify for the next round in the Champions League.”

Seedorf wary of Atletico

Meanwhile, AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf expects a formidable challenge from on-form Atletico Madrid on their visit to the San Siro for their Champions League match on Wednesday.

But after three wins in five league games and a quarter-final exit from the Italian Cup at the hands of Udinese, the jury remains out on the 37-year-old Dutchman.

Atletico, who are pushing Barcelona and Real Madrid for command of La Liga, are firm favourites for a win that would boost their quarter-final chances ahead of the return leg at the Vicente Calderon in a fortnight. Nevertheless, Seedorf is relishing the challenge. “It will be another great opportunity to take another step forward in the competition,” Seedorf said on Friday

“Atletico are well organised, strong and have great forwards.”But I know we will raise our game for the Champions League and I’m looking forward to getting reacquainted with the San Siro that I got to know so well in this competition.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th, 2014.

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