Arsenal dont need to fear Bayern says Podolski

20 December 2012 18:16

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski insists the Gunners will have no reason to fear his former club Bayern Munich when they clash in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Arsene Wenger's team were paired with Bundesliga leaders Bayern in Thursday's draw, with the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on February 19 and the return at the Allianz Arena in March.

That means a return to Munich for German international Podolski, who spent three seasons at Bayern from 2006.

Arsenal's spluttering form this season means few pundits expect the Premier League side to beat Bayern, who reached the Champions League final last season.

But Podolski believes Arsenal have what it takes to get past one of the tournament favourites.

"They played in the final in 2010 and last year. It is a big club, but we have the chance to win against Bayern Munich," Podolski told Arsenal Player.

"They have (Mario) Gomez up front, they have (Franck) Ribery, (Bastian) Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer.

"But there are two matches, one at home (and) one away, so both teams have the chance to win."

Source: AFP