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Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has taunted Arsenal ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash, stating the Gunners abandoned their football identity to secure a win two weeks ago.
A 2-0 victory for Arsenal last time out in Europe ended a run of 13-unbeaten matches in all competitions for the Bundesliga leaders, who have won ten of their opening 11 matches in the domestic league.
Whilst Arsenal’s tactics in the game were praised throughout European football, Guardiola accused the Gunners of abandoning their ‘football DNA’ and stated his belief their defence will struggle under pressure this evening.
“We managed to play the ball behind them and tried to make them play high balls to Giroud up front. After that to attack against 9 or 10 players inside their own box is not easy. They want to attack and build up but when you press Mertesacker or Koscielny they don’t want to play. They play long balls to Giroud.”
“Arsenal want to play, it’s in their DNA. But the other way is to sit back, defend and run. Everyone can do that – also Bayern. But I spoke to the players and I want us to try to attack even when there are 10 players there defending.”
On the other hand, Arsene Wenger used his post-match press conference in Munich to detail his tactics in the first-leg; denying that his side only wanted to defend.
“We didn’t want to only defend. When Guardiola says that, we didn’t only want to defend but we organised ourselves to defend well in certain situations.”
“When Bayern dominate we have to focus. So we changed and played on the counter. We had two weapons, on the counter with Walcott and a bit more direct with Giroud. It worked in the end.”
“What we want is to play to win. When you’re Arsenal and we’ve won everywhere in Europe, even here, so we will try to win the game. Is Bayern a great team? Yes, but it’s a good challenge for us.”
Arsenal have three games left to turn around their European campaign following two consecutive defeats in the opening matches but will be aware that a surprise victory tonight will move them level on points with the Bavarian side.
