Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is ready for Bayern Munich to place aside their problems within the Bundesliga and secure their very best performance within the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The six-time European champions have endured a disappointing domestic campaign and head to Emirates Stadium for Tuesday’s first match, where they’re set to lose the German title for the primary time in 12 years.
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel is ready to step down from his role at the tip of the season, together with his side currently 16 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen after 4 defeats of their last eight league appearances.
Asked if a weak type of opposition was vital for European ties, Arteta replied: “From my side, no.
“It’s something we have no influence on and no control over. We just expect the best from our opponent all the time.
“Against Bayern, against any opponent, no matter where they are, you should always expect them to play at their best and be prepared to outperform them.
“Football is such a competitive environment that it’s hard to be consistent, it can happen to anyone.
“This is a top team. I’m a big fan of Thomas: his teams, the way they set up, the way they play and what they convey.
We have to take our game where we want and if we do that, we will have a chance to win.
German champions Leverkusen – led by Xabi Alonso – thrashed Bayern 3-0 in February to gain the upper hand.
Spaniard Arteta was coy about turning to compatriot Alonso for advice on how to beat the Bavarian club.
“Great question, but I’m not going to answer it,” he replied with a smile.
Arteta is having fun with a vital final few weeks of the season as his Premier League leaders chase the domestic and European double.
The Gunners haven’t played at this stage of the Champions League for the reason that 2009/2010 season, and lost 5-1 in each of their three previous meetings with Bayern in 2015 and in each round of 16 matches.
Arteta, who was a non-playing member of Arsene Wenger’s squad throughout the first of those brawls, has little interest in dwelling on the past in his pursuit of a trophy.
“It doesn’t matter, we just focus on the performance we have to put in to beat a top and exceptional team with exceptional individuals,” he said.
“We need to earn every right to attempt to make this a reality.
“We have not been on this position for 14 years. It’s a really, very very long time for this club and we understand it, that is why we’ve the hunger and the need to make it occur.
“This is where we would like to be. We are in a very good position within the Premier League and we’re in a very good position within the Champions League.
“We have a giant task ahead of us against one of the successful clubs in Europe. It’s a hurdle we’ve to beat and we’re looking forward to it.
Credit : www.independent.co.uk