Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery offered his sympathy to Arsene Wenger as Arsenal prepare for what could be another trying encounter against the German champions.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side crushed Arsenal 5-1 in the Champions League round of 16 first leg in Bavaria last month and will field a strong side on Tuesday night as they look to ensure there is no miraculous turnaround at the Emirates.
They will face an Arsenal side who have slipped further into crisis over the past three weeks, Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at
Liverpool sending the Gunners out of the top four and heightening the pressure on Wenger.
The 67-year-old is yet to decide whether to agree a new two-year contract at Arsenal but has insisted he would prefer to remain in place at the Emirates rather than manage elsewhere. That may not be possible amid growing fan rancour but Ribery reminded those supporters not to forget what the three-time league champion has achieved in North London.
Ribery said: “It’s a difficult situation for Arsene. We should not forget what he has done, all the titles he has won.
“He is a great manager with everything he has done. I can only congratulate him on his great career and he is not finished yet. But it’s very difficult for him, it’s not easy.
“But he has to continue with this team. He has lots of experience and that’s why I believe we have to be careful because he can motivate his players and that’s very dangerous for us.”
Despite their commanding first leg lead, an advantage that has never been overturned in the European Cup, Bayern will play a strong side at the Emirates that their manager Carlo Ancelotti will include Manuel Neuer in goal and Rafinha at right-back.
Thomas Muller must wait to discover if he can gain a starting berth after overcoming a run of poor form to find the net in the first leg.
Whether he starts or not he expects Bayern to play to their full potential despite being almost certainly through to the last eight of the Champions League.
“We know we have a very good result in the first leg but the game starts at 0-0 and we want to win tomorrow’s match,” Muller said.
“We want to have the same fun and enjoy ourselves. If you have the momentum we have you want to ride on that wave.”
“We know Arsenal will give everything but we have real experience in our ranks.”
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