Mikel Arteta says the Champions League’s latter rounds is where Arsenal ‘want to be’ as the club prepare for their first quarter-final in over a decade.
Arsenal take on Bayern Munich in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday evening, as the German giants visit the Emirates in a seismic showdown.
The north Londoners have impressed in Europe so far this season to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2009/10, topping their group before beating Porto on penalties in the Round of 16.
Tomorrow’s clash with Bayern represents a step up in opposition, however, despite a disappointing season for the Bundesliga champions. Bayern are six-time winners of the Champions League and have won each of the last three encounters between the teams 5-1.
Arteta is relishing the chance to take on ‘one of the successful teams in Europe’ and says tomorrow night’s clash is the sort of game his squad want to be a part of.
“Really enjoying the moment because this is where we want to be. We are in a really good position in the Premier League and we are in a good position in the Champions League,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
“We have a big task ahead of us against one of the successful teams in Europe. That’s the hurdle we have to overcome and we are really looking forward to it.
“They are top team. I am a big admirer of Thomas [Tuchel]. The way his teams set-up, the way they play, the way they transmit. I have learned a lot from him and looking at them they are a top team.
“We have prepared well and now we have to take our game where we want to, and if we do that we have a chance to win.”
Arteta called for a loud atmosphere inside the Emirates on ‘a special night’ for his team and said he hopes his team can show how much they have improved in recent seasons.
“A full house, and a lot of passion and emotion. We haven’t had this opportunity for 15 years so that tells you how special this night is going to be for us. We are going to have put everything into every ball to make it happen.
“Hopefully we are better. For sure over the last few months the players have evolved. We have all tried to learn and be better than we were a year ago. It’s been a really demanding season and it’s a big step forward to be here in this competition, and competing in the Premier League. This is the challenge and we are so excited to be part of that.”
