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Guardiola Respects Gunners. Says ” Arsenal Are One Of Europe’s Best”

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola believes it is “impossible” to dominate matches against Arsenal.

Guardiola did not win on either of two previous visits to the Emirates, where he brings his Bayern side on Wednesday.

“I learnt that you can’t dominate 90 minutes against Arsenal. It’s impossible,” Guardiola said.

“You can play good, and dominate until half-time, 30 minutes, 75 minutes, but a complete 90 minutes – it’s impossible. Always you have a problem.”

Bayern Munich’s only defeats this season have come against Borussia Dortmund – in July’s curtain-raiser to the German season, the DFB Super Cup – and against Manchester City, in the final round of Champions League group games

As Barcelona coach, Guardiola presided over a 2-2 draw in north London in 2010, while the following year his team were beaten 2-1 after late goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin, although the Catalans went on to win both ties on aggregate.

Arsene Wenger’s Londoners have not won a major trophy since 2005 but Guardiola insisted: “Arsenal compete with huge, huge teams and, for me, remain a good team, a good club.” He said.

“We’re going to fight against one of the best teams in Europe. It’s a good test to know what is our level in Europe this year.”

The 43-year-old Spaniard knows expectations are high, but says he is not yet considering the prospect of Bayern becoming the first team since AC Milan in 1990 to retain Europe’s premier club competition.