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”We Are In Better Mental Shape Than Last Year” Wenger
- Updated: February 18, 2014
Arsene Wenger says his Arsenal side are in “better mental shape” for a repeat of their last-16 Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.
The Gunners were beaten on away goals by the German club at the same stage of the competition last year, losing 3-1 at home before a 2-0 away win.
They meet again on Wednesday, with the first leg of this season’s tie again taking place at the Emirates.
“We are in a much better mental shape than one year ago,” said Wenger.
“We had lost in FA Cup to Blackburn last season and that was a big disappointment for us. This time beat Liverpool and are really determined to win this game.”
Wenger’s side were 2-0 down within the first 20 minutes of the home game a year ago and the manager knows his side cannot afford a similar occurrence.
“We went out on away goals last year. That shows you it is important not to concede at home,” said the Frenchman.Bayern went on to win the Champions League last season, completing a treble after their successes in the German league and Cup under former manager Jupp Heynckes.
Pep Guardiola took over as their manager in the summer and the club currently lead the Bundesliga by 16 points, having managed 19 wins and two draws.
They have lost only once in 34 games going into Wednesday’s first leg.
However, Arsenal have the best home defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded just six goals in 26 top-flight matches, and lie a point behind leaders Chelsea.
Wenger, who has replaced suspended midfielder Mikel Arteta with Tomas Rosicky in his squad for the match.
Meanwhile, midfielder Jack Wilshere has echoes Wenger’s voice saying the Gunners will be careful not to ruin their chances of progressing in this year’s Champions League by chasing a first win against European Champions Bayern Munich when the two sides meet at the Emirates on Wednesday.
On the eve of the first leg in north London Wilshere explained Arsenal’s determination to go to Germany with a fighting chance of eliminating the European champions.
“There was a lot of tension in the stadium and it was a big game. Once we calmed down a bit, we took the game to them a little bit.
“This year we’ll be intelligent going into the game. First of all we’ll work on our defensive duty and then we’ll play.
“We’ve spoken about the importance of staying in the game. If it’s 0-0 at home we’ve still got a big chance to qualify. The away goal is massive in this competition.” Wilshere said.
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