Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola wary of attack-minded Arsenal

03 November 2015 15:46

Pep Guardiola expects Arsenal to come out fighting in their Champions League clash at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.

The Bayern Munich coach saw his side beaten 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the last round of fixtures as Arsenal reacted to losing their opening two group fixtures.

Guardiola's side remain in a strong position to reach the knock-out stages having won their other two matches in the group while the Gunners will be up against it if they fall to defeat in Munich.

Arsenal are enjoying a good run of form as they visit Bayern for the third time in four seasons.

Arsene Wenger's men are unbeaten on the previous two outings and Guardiola believes the Frenchman will be looking to utilise in-form striker Olivier Giroud to keep that record alive.

"They will not park the bus, but attack," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

"Arsenal is a top team in Europe. They are strong enough. Arsenal want to attack, but it's difficult against us with our good pressing game.

"They will play a lot of high passes to Olivier Giroud. We did not allow them do to so in the first game."

Wednesday could prove to be an entertaining evening as Guardiola, too, will not be looking to simply settle for a share of the spoils.

"We lost in London, that can happen," the former Barcelona boss added.

"Wednesday is a new game and with our fans behind us we can win the game. I hope everything will be fine.

"I think we played well in London. But a defeat sometimes happens on such a high level.

"I've never gone into a game to play for a draw.

"If it should so come at the end then okay. But if you can get three points, then you should do everything you can."

Bayern midfielder Thiago echoed the opinion of his manager but believes the German champions can enjoy the fact they are not as desperate for a result as their visitors.

"We have no particular pressure on us tomorrow," the Spain international said.

"The important thing is that we realise how Arsenal play, then we can be aware of it. Both teams have to score goals, so Arsenal will not be so defensive like the others.

"They want to play like us. We know that we are playing against one of the best teams in Europe, but we have the chance to win the three points."

Source: PA