Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has shared what he feels his side will need if they are to overcome Arsenal tonight.
Bayern Munich will host Arsenal at the Allianz Arena for the second-leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night.
After a hard-fought first-leg encounter at the Emirates Stadium, the aggregate score in the tie is delicately poised at 2-2 heading into this decider, meaning tonight’s match is an absolute must-win for both sides if they are to progress to the penultimate round of Europe’s elite club competition.
Both sides are heading into tonight’s clash with a point to prove, too. Mikel Arteta’s men need to bounce back from Sunday’s costly Premier League loss against Aston Villa. Pundit Gary Neville has been clear that Arsenal’s entire season now hinges on their response to that setback.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s bid to retain their Bundesliga crown was ended on Sunday as a Bayer Leverkusen side starring former Arsenal man Granit Xhaka claimed the title for themselves. The Champions League is all they have to play for now.
It is likely to be another close-run affair between the two sides in Munich tonight. The German giants have the home advantage, of course, but the Gunners have generally been excellent on the road this season.
Thomas Tuchel sends message to Bayern Munich fans ahead of Arsenal visit
Thomas Tuchel has now opened up about what his side will need to do in order to win against the North London outfit. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by football.london, the Bayern Munich boss said, “we need everything. The same dedication, passion, efforts by the team, tactical discipline. The same one between us and the first leg. The winner will succeed and the loser will be out.”
“We hope for the same atmosphere as the fans in London managed to do. That can push the team. It’s important that each fan comes with the readiness to support the team. We need that to give this extra percentage to beat Arsenal.”
There is likely to be a raucous atmosphere in the Allianz Arena tonight. Plenty of Arsenal fans will be making the trip Germany, whilst the hosts’ supporters will be looking to make up for lost time in the first-leg. Arsenal were given a boost when they hosted Bayern Munich last week as none of the visitors’ fans were allowed in to the Emirates Stadium.
How will Arsenal approach Bayern Munich clash?
This game will also be a test of discipline for both sides. A winner must be decided tonight, but it could potentially take extra time and penalties to determine who is triumphant. Both teams will need to remain focused and diligent to ensure that they stay in the game for as long as they can.
It will be fascinating to see what tactical approach the Arsenal boss takes to this game. Arteta has been urged to start Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back after Oleksandr Zinchenko’s and Jakub Kiwior’s recent struggles. It will also be interesting to see who leads the line for the Gunners’ in the wake of Gabriel Jesus’ poor showing against Aston Villa.