Mats Hummels says Bayern Munich are aiming to beat Arsenal in “superior fashion” in Champions League clash against Arsenal.
The Bundesliga champions eased past Arsene Wenger’s side in the last-16 first leg courtesy of a 5-1 scoreline and are clear favourites to progress.
Build-up to the game has been dominated by speculation surrounding Alexis Sanchez’s long-term future after the Chilean was dropped for the trip to Liverpool amid reports of a dressing room bust up.
But Carlo Ancelotti’s side appear to be fully focused on the task at hand, with Hummels eager for Bayern to maintain their concentration and snub out any hopes of a comeback the north Londoners have.
“We know that anything can happen. Arsenal is capable of great performances,” Hummels told Bayern TV.
“Of course it’s up to us to progress to the next round safely and securely and we know it.
“However, we can only achieve that with necessary concentration. After the match we hope everybody will say we got the job done in superior fashion.
“But we have to make sure that happens. An early goal, for example, can have a profound effect on the home team,” he added.
Arsenal must overturn a four-goal deficit if they are to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.
But Wenger’s side will be without Mesut Ozil, who has been ruled out through injury, while it remains unclear whether Sanchez will be recalled to the starting line up.
Meanwhile, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer did not take part in his side’s final training session but Ancelotti has confirmed the Germany international will “absolutely” play at Emirates Stadium.
COMMENTS