Arsene Wenger says Arsenal have nothing to lose ahead of Bayern clash

11 March 2014 09:19

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has claimed that his side have the quality and belief to overturn Bayern Munich's two-goal advantage when the travel to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

Speaking at his press conference, Wenger dismissed suggestions of caution and insisted that his side are capable of advancing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

"We will go there with nothing to lose and have a huge desire to do well. It is a possible task, my team has the quality and ambition"

The Frenchman also stated that his players would extract confidence and solace from their remarkable 2-0 victory in Munich last season, with Bayern narrowly progressing on away goals.

"It was vital. It helped us believe that we are a good side and strengthened our belief" he added

"History is important in our belief. We know we can do it, because we have already done it".

The Gunners will have to do so without the services of Kieran Gibbs, with Belgium international Thomas Vermaelen, as confirmed by Wenger, set to start at left-back. Gibbs is expected to have recovered from his ankle injury in time to feature in Sunday's North London derby against Tottenham.

Arsenal will, however, have a reinvigorated Mesut Ozil in their ranks, with the German seemingly emerging from his recent winter slump after hus man of the match-winning against Everton on Saturday failing to elude the observant eyes of his coach.

"He was affected by the missed penalty in the first-leg but he has recovered and had a great game on Saturday" Wenger said.

Despite all, Bayern, powered by triple-winning Jupp Heynckes and enhanced by summer arrival Pep Guardiola, will present Arsenal with a laborious obstacle in progressing past the last sixteen.

 

Source: DSG