Arsenal more mentally prepared for Bayern, Wenger says

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his side are more mentally prepared to beat Bayern Munich than this time 12 months ago.

The Frenchman is preparing his side to face the reigning UEFA Champions League holders in a rematch of last season’s round-of-16 tie, from which Bayern progressed on the away goals rule.

Arsenal had headed into that two-legged encounter on the back of a disappointing FA Cup defeat to Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers.

But this year, Arsenal can take confidence from sitting second in the Premier League, while a 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday secured Arsenal’s position in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Wenger is confident his team can spring an upset when they welcome Pep Guardiola’s men to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

“I think we are in a better mental shape than one year ago,” Wenger said. “We’d lost to Blackburn in the FA Cup, which was a big disappointment.

“This time we won against Liverpool and we’re determined to win the game (against Bayern). Since the start of the season we know we have to be 100 per cent. We believe we can do it but it’s down to the quality of our performance.”

Arsenal won 2-0 at the Allianz Arena last season, having been beaten 3-1 at home, and subsequently went on a 10-match unbeaten run to secure fourth spot in the Premier League.

Wenger believes the victory in Germany proves Arsenal can compete with Bayern, but is keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s poor first-leg display.

He added: “It (beating Bayern) gave us belief to finish the season well. Since the start of the season we’ve done well, we’re in a strong position.

“It’s down to us how, from game to game, we can show the same spirit and focus we showed against Liverpool.

“It is of course important (not to concede at home); every minute counts in a game of that stature. We are of course conscious of that, we will try to start very strong.”