Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sent the press conference into howls of laughter when he was asked about learning from Xabi Alonso on how to beat Bayern Munich.
The double-chasing Arsenal boss will test the depth and quality of his high-flying Arsenal side against the prolific firing arsenal of the Bundesliga giants on Tuesday, April 9 in Champions League quarterfinal first-leg.
Bayern Munich have been Arsenal’s worst nightmare in the UEFA Champions League. It has been 13 years since the Gunners qualify for the last 8 of the competition.
Before a seven-year absence since 2018, Arsenal were knocked out seven times consecutively in the round of 16 of the competition with Bayern Munich edging them out three times in 2013, 2014, and 2017.
Coming on the backdrop of contrasting domestic fortunes, it will be a different ball game when the two sides lock horns.
While the ghost of the triple deadlock against the Bundesliga giants may linger, Arteta will be hopeful of a perfect revenge for Arsenal.
The pre-match press conference was a lively one for the Spaniard and one can sense the searing aura of confidence in the former Man City assistant boss as he entertained questions from journalists ahead of the cracker.
When asked whether he would consider taking tips from Xabi Alonso on how to beat Bayern Munich, the 41-year-old smiled and said; ‘that is a good question, but I will answer that.” Journalists in the press conference slipped into howls of laughter on on Arteta’s quick, smart, and priceless response.
Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen winning machine have wrestled four points from Bayern Munich this season. They forced the Bavarians to a 2-2 draw at Allianz Arena and pummeled them 3-0 in the reverse fixture at BayArena.
Mikel Arteta will meet the struggling Bundesliga giants on an entirely new plane with his young, vigorous, and compact squad, who are equally looking to end their 20-year wait for the Premier League title, and possibly add the Champion’s League silverware to the collection.
It will be a game of equal chances away from the deadlock of the yesteryears.
