Bayern Munich CEO confident ahead of Champions League bout with Arsenal

SB Nation

Bayern Munich will be back in London once again, this time to take on Arsenal FC in the UEFA Champions League. With the table leaders facing the team right on their heels in second position, the stage

is set for a thrilling game of football. With only two days remaining, the club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has reflected the mood of his team this season — calm and confident.

The aura of the unstoppable force

Bayern have scored in every game this season. In the Champions League, the Bavarians average 3.5 goals per game. Top opponents such as Chelsea and PSG too were overwhelmed by the pace and the press failing to stop the juggernaut. With one of the most fluid attacks on the planet, stopping this side from scoring may actually need more than 11 men. A highlight of Bayern’s style this season has been their composure and the knack to coolly net goals or make important clearances under pressure.

Speaking to the press (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), the club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen mirrored his team and manager Vincent Kompany’s vibe on what he thought about the upcoming fixture. “We have a lot of self-confidence, we never get nervous. Arsenal know that we’re in good form,” said Dreesen calmly, perhaps stirring some mind games.

The heft of the immovable object

The opponents hosting Bayern this week are no slouches. They will probably be the toughest test the RekordMeister have been put through this season. Arsenal have in the UCL conceded zero goals thus far. That’s right folks, Arsenal’s defence has not yet been breached by any team in the Champions League.

This defensive strength extends into the Premier League. In their home league too, the Gunners have conceded 6 goals in 12 games. Their manager Mikel Arteta has turned the North London side into a well-oiled machine that is as potent in attack as it is in defense. With 11 goals in the CL and 24 in the PL, the Gunners have been firing on all cylinders.

Acknowledging the hosts’s great run of form, Dreesen said “We’ll approach the game with respect; Arsenal are top of the Premier League for a reason. It will certainly be a tough match”.

A few fitness concerns

The biggest thorn in the path has to be the injuries both the teams are dealing with. Major players on both sides have been sidelined. Lennart Karl for Bayern, Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Ødegaard for Arsenal are still unsure for the lineup. Whereas Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies for the visitors and Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhães for the hosts are definitely out.

With that said, expect nothing short of an absolute cracker of a match with some great football from both sides. Packmas!

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…