MUNICH – Mikel Arteta believes getting Arsenal into the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of Bayern Munich would have a transformative effect on the club.
After a 2-2 draw in the first leg last week, the Gunners face Bayern at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night aiming to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
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Arsenal have never won the Champions League and only ended a seven-year absence from the competition this season, during which time Bayern lifted their sixth European Cup.
Asked if victory here in Germany could take Arsenal to the next level, Arteta said: “Absolutely. It would be incredible. If we do it tomorrow and we are in the semi-final, we will be in a very high emotional state with something we haven't achieved.” in 15 years and that is the opportunity.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard are expected to be available after suffering knocks in Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa, a result that leaves Arsenal chasing Manchester City in the Premier League title race with six games left to play.
Arteta insisted the defeat would have no bearing on their European hopes, telling his players: “Throw away the game, the one we played a few days ago, because regardless of that result, it's not going to have any impact on what's happening.” let it happen tomorrow.
“Refocus and start building confidence and understanding the performance we're going to have to put in tomorrow to beat them and get to the playoffs.”
Arteta also urged his team to stay true to themselves in an intimidating stadium where Bayern are unbeaten in their last 14 European games.
“I certainly want my team to be the same, regardless of the stadium,” he added. “Sometimes you want to do certain things and the opponent doesn't allow you to do them. We are very clear about how we are going to play the game, what we want to do in the game and what gives us the best chance to achieve it.” Earn it.
“There are many things we can do to write our history very differently tomorrow, we know that and it will be about putting in a very, very strong performance collectively and individually to earn the right to be in the semi-final.”
