Arsenal must change narrative against Bayern, Arteta says

MUNICH, Germany : Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his side must change the narrative versus Bayern Munich given their poor record against the German side as they prepare for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

Arsenal lost 5-1 on their last two trips to Bayern in the Champions League and have won only one of their six away matches against the German side in the competition.

“We have to change it, the opportunity is there to write our story differently,” Arteta told reporters.

“It is about putting in a strong performance to have the right to be in the semi-finals.”

The first leg in London last week ended in a 2-2 draw after a late Leandro Trossard equaliser for Arsenal.

Arteta noted that his side would need to adapt to the emotional aspect in order to win.

“Emotion is needed in football, it’s about tweaking it and touching the right buttons at the right time for the team to always be stable, and be hyped when it has to be hyped,” he said.

Arteta declined to say if captain Martin Odegaard and forward Bukayo Saka would play at the Allianz Arena after both sustained injuries in the 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday.

“We’ll assess them tomorrow and see how they are,” he said.

RARE OPPORTUNITY

Arsenal have the chance to qualify for the semi-finals of Europe’s elite club competition for only the third time, the last occasion being in 2009.

“Most of our players have not experienced this, they are super motivated and confident,” Arteta said.

“If we make the semi-final, we would be in a high emotional state, there is an opportunity.

“Everything we have done for 10 months, and last season, tomorrow we have an opportunity to make it happen.”

Arsenal forward Trossard said they can rise to the occasion.

“I think everyone is ready, we can use this as a reaction (to Sunday’s defeat). It’s a big chance for us on the biggest stage. We all want to show what we’re capable of,” he told reporters.

“Every game is tough. We have experience from the group stage, and we showed character in the last game against a top side. We need to be on top of our game.”