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Ancelotti ‘confident’ Bayern can progress past Arsenal

By Daily Sports on December 13, 2016

Carlo Ancelotti says Bayern Munich’s round-of-16 tie against Arsenal in the Champions League will be tough, but he is “confident” his side will progress.

Bayern and Arsenal will meet once again in the competition after they were pitted against each other in Monday’s draw in Switzerland.

The pair won one game each in the group stage last season, while Bayern dumped Arsenal out at the round-of-16 stage in both the 2012-13 and 2013-14 campaigns.

“They’ll be two interesting games, which I’m already looking forward to,” Ancelotti said on Bayern’s official website. “I have faith in my team and hope to reach the quarterfinals. We have to lay the foundations at the Allianz Arena for the second leg in London.

“Arsenal have a very good team at the moment and a trainer [Arsene Wenger] who I respect. Arsenal are doing well in the Premier League and have only lost once in the league [this season]. It’ll be tough but I’m confident.”

The first leg will be played at the Allianz Arena on Feb. 15, with the second leg taking place at the Emirates Stadium on March 7.

“It’s an interesting and tough task,” Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said. “We know Arsenal very well from the past few years, having played against them regularly, including twice in the round of 16.

“We had a good experience against them and progressed. But Arsenal play good football and I rate them stronger than in previous years.”

Bayern defender Jerome Boateng is hopeful his side can keep up their good record against the Gunners.

“Arsenal is a very good opponent, the fans can look forward to really exciting games,” he said. “We have some positive Champions League experience against Arsenal in the past and it’s all about carrying that on.”

Bayern’s German stars will come up against compatriots Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi and Per Mertesacker over the two legs, with Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels looking forward to the reunion.

“I’ve played with Borussia Dortmund against Arsenal so I know all about them,” Hummels said. “I’m looking forward to two exciting games but I must say Arsenal is a very attractive draw for Bayern and their fans.

“Above all I’m looking forward to meeting my current Germany teammates Mesut Ozil and Mustafi. And naturally Per Mertesacker too.”

Muller added: “Undoubtedly, Arsenal are a tough opponent as two top European teams meet. But hopefully Bayern will come out on top. Above all, though, I’m looking forward to the duel with Mesut Ozil.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Carlo Ancelotti

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 13, 2016