Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed confidence in his former club’s ability to advance to the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of Bayern Munich.
Arsenal, currently second in the Premier League, are set to face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their quarter-final tie on Wednesday, following a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
Reflecting on the upcoming clash, Wenger believes it’s a balanced contest, noting Bayern’s recent vulnerability at home in the Bundesliga. He pointed out that Bayern’s failure to clinch the Bundesliga title this season suggests they may not be in peak form.
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s clash at the Allianz Arena, Wenger said on beIN SPORTS: ‘Arsenal against Bayern Munich is a 50-50 game.
‘Bayern have recently been vulnerable at home in the Bundesliga, they lost to Dortmund in a very important game so they will not be 100% confident. I still think Arsenal might just glide through against Bayern.’
Asked if that prediction came from his heart or his head, Wenger responded: ‘A bit of both, a combination!’
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta echoed Wenger’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of seizing the opportunity to progress in the tournament.
He urged his players to deliver a performance that would propel Arsenal into the semi-finals for the first time in 15 years.
‘Everyone wants to show what we’re capable of and there’s no better way to do it than on Wednesday,’ Arteta said.
With both Wenger and Arteta expressing confidence in Arsenal’s abilities, the stage is set for an intriguing showdown as Arsenal seeks to make a statement on the European stage.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
