Serge Gnabry revealed his admiration for ‘leader’ Mikel Arteta but intends to topple him arsenal around 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 German winger lines up. Bayern Munich in their match in the Champions League.
The 31-year-old is now an experienced player who has played more than 200 games for Bayern and won 62 international caps, but he has not forgotten the impact Arteta had on him early in his career.
“He was a team leader back then, our captain too,” he said. “He spoke a lot to young players like me and Hector Bellerin and always had an open ear for us. It shows the kind of personality he has. He led the team to such great success last season (when Arsenal won the Premier League title). He is doing a very good job.”
It’s a special game against Arsenal – Bayern star Gnabry
That doesn’t mean Gnabry, who is likely to return to the squad tomorrow after injury with Michael Olise suspended, is holding his own against his former mentor.
He added: “It’s always a special game against an old club. I grew up there and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a bit strange playing against a manager you used to play with. We want to win, that’s what it’s all about. I’m really 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 lay-off. I’m grateful for every minute I get. I need 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 another meeting tomorrow, however, with Bayern boss Vincent Kompany, who worked with the Spaniard at Manchester City, battling a virus.
One of his assistants Aaron Danks held Tuesday’s pregame press conference and admitted that he did not know if the Belgian could take his place in the dugout.
Danks said: “Vincent has a virus. It’s important that he rests. He’s at home resting. We’re taking it day by day. We’re in constant communication. He’ll play his part and be involved in the game, whether it’s at the Allianz Arena or not, we’ll have to wait and see.
“Sometimes it has affected his legs, he has found pain in his legs. It’s just a virus. The doctors know a lot more than I do. The most important thing is that he rests and takes the time he needs. I don’t know if it will be tomorrow or 2-3 days. We are taking it day by day.”
“For me, there are not many changes. I plan training every day. Obviously we miss Vincent, but we have a strong coaching staff, we know what needs to be done. We have to stay calm and keep the energy of the players high so that they are ready for tomorrow.”
Bayern assistant coach Danks is fond of Neuer’s involvement against Arsenal
Midfielder Joshua Kimmich missed today’s training to attend to a personal matter, while veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will have more time to prove his fitness with a foot injury.
“We haven’t made a decision yet,” Danks said. “Manu has been back on the pitch for two days, it’s great. We’ll meet as a manager, we’ll talk to Vince and we’ll talk to the goalkeeping coach. No decisions have been made at the moment, but it’s great to have Manu back.”
One man who will be desperate to land one at Arsenal is former Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
The England captain has been in top form in recent weeks and is one of the leading contenders to win the Ballon d’Or in London on Monday night.
“I’m very biased when it comes to Harry because I’m English,” Danks admitted. “It’s a privilege to work with Harry and see his level every day. His overall game is at such a high level that he could also be our best defender and our best playmaker in training, he can score goals. I learn a lot working with him. The level here at Bayern Munich is very high.”
