Wenger: ‘Now we have belief’

Arsenal v Bayern Munich

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes his side are in a stronger position than when they played Bayern Munich in the Champions League last year.

The Gunners lost 3-1 at The Emirates before fighting back to win 2-0 in Munich, ultimately losing on away goals.

Wenger’s team now have the chance to go one better against Bayern, who went on to win the competition last year.

“We are in a much better mental shape than a year ago,’ said Wenger. 

“We were too nervous in the beginning of that game.

“‘We had lost to Blackburn in the FA Cup and it was a big disappointment, whereas this time we have won and we are really determined to win this game. 

“Now it is down to us to how well we can show the same focus and spirit as we did against Liverpool (Arsenal won 2-1) for the rest of the season. 

“We have a strong team spirit and a united team with a desire to do well.

“We have always had these qualities but not the belief. That comes from results.”

He added: “We know we face the favourites of the competition.

“We have belief because we have only had big games in the Champions League and the FA Cup — Tottenham and Liverpool. Since the start of this season we have had to be 100 per cent for every game. I believe we can do it.”

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere said: “We were a bit nervous going into the game last year. 

“We lost to Blackburn the game before.

‘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. 

“The third goal was a lucky goal and that killed us. 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.”

Another upbeat Gunner is midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who says he recognises a return of a winning mentality to the club.

“I think it is what we had during my first spell here and we won the FA Cup in 2005, because against Liverpool it was a difficult game, from the first to the last minute everyone worked very hard, even the players playing up front,” he added.

“We asked them to defend and to help the team and they did it very well, which is very important for us. It was important to show some character on the pitch, some solidarity.” 

Lahm wary of Madrid

Bayern Munich’s Philipp Lahm says the Champions League is not all about Barcelona anymore.

Defending champions Bayern, with former Barca boss Pep Guardiola in charge this season, are much-fancied to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since AC Milan in 1990.

And after the German’s 7-0 two-legged hammering of the Catalans in last year’s sem-final, Lahm is full of confidence. However, he says Real Madrid are also now back in the equation.

“I hope we can defend it [the title],” the 30-year-old told Kicker. But there are several teams that have the potential to be the overall winner. 

“In recent years, it was always about Barcelona for the title, but now we are the defending champions.

“There is not one team that I can see as favourite for winning the cup. Real Madrid, for example, will challenge us though.”