Serge Gnabry revealed his admiration for “leader” Mikel Arteta but intends to bring down the Arsenal boss on Wednesday night.
Gnabry played alongside Arteta when they were team-mates with the Gunners but the pair will come face to face at the Allianz Arena when the Germany winger lines up for Bayern Munich in their Champions League clash.
The 31-year-old is now an experienced player having made over 200 appearances for Bayern and won 62 international caps but he has not forgotten the impact Arteta had on him earlier in his career.
“He was a leader in the team back then, also our captain,” he said. “He talked a lot with young players like me and Hector Bellerin and always had an open ear for us. That shows what kind of personality he has. He led the team to this great success last season [when Arsenal won the Premier League title]. He’s doing a very good job.”
It’s a special game against Arsenal – Bayern star Gnabry
That does not mean Gnabry, who is likely to return to the squad from injury tomorrow with Michael Olise suspended, will be holding back against his former mentor.
He added: ”It’s always a special game against a former club. I grew up there and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a bit strange to play against a coach you used to play with. We want to win, that’s what it’s all about. I’m looking forward to the game.
“A game against Arsenal, given my history, is always special. I’m happy to be back after a long injury layoff. I’m grateful for every minute I get. I need the game time to get back into shape. I’m happy when I play, but the most important thing is that we win as a team.”
Arteta could miss out on another reunion tomorrow, though, with Bayern boss Vincent Kompany, who worked with the Spaniard at Manchester City, struggling with a virus.
One of his assistants Aaron Danks took Tuesday’s pre-match press conference and admitted he did not know if the Belgian would be able to take his place in the dugout.
Danks said: ”Vincent has a virus. It’s important that he rests. He’s at home resting. We take it day by day. We’re in constant communication. He’ll play his role and part in the game – whether that’s at the Allianz Arena or not, we’ll have to wait and see.
“It has affected his legs at times, he found some pain in his legs. It’s just a virus. The doctors know way more than I do. The most important thing is that he rests and takes the time he needs. I don’t know whether that will be tomorrow or 2-3 days. We’re taking it day by day.
“For me, not much changes. I plan the training sessions every day. Obviously we miss Vincent, but we have a strong coaching team, we know what needs to be done. We need to stay calm and keep the players’ energy high so they are ready tomorrow.”
Bayern assistant coach Danks coy on Neuer involvement against Arsenal
Midfielder Joshua Kimmich missed today’s training session to attend a personal matter while veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will be given more time to prove his fitness from a foot injury.
“We haven’t made a decision yet,” said Danks. “Manu has been back on the grass for two days, which is fantastic. We’ll meet as a coaching team, speak to Vince and speak to the goalkeeping coach. At the moment there’s no decision made, but it’s great that Manu is back.”
One man who will be desperate to get one over on Arsenal is former Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
The England captain has been in blistering form in recent weeks and is one of the leading contenders to win the Ballon d’Or in London on Monday night.
“I’m really biased when it comes to Harry because I’m an Englishman,” admitted Danks. “It’s a privilege to work with Harry and see his level every day. His overall game is at such a high level that could also be our best defender and our best playmaker in training, he can score goals. I learn a lot from working with him. The level here at Bayern Munich is very high.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
