It's Impossible To Dominate Arsenal-Guardiola

 

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola believes it is "impossible" to dominate matches against Arsenal.

Guardiola did not win on either of two previous visits to the Emirates, where he brings his Bayern side on Wednesday. 

"I learnt that you can't dominate 90 minutes against Arsenal. It's impossible," Guardiola said. 

"You can play good, and dominate until half-time, 30 minutes, 75 minutes, but a complete 90 minutes - it's impossible. Always you have a problem." 

As Barcelona coach, Guardiola presided over a 2-2 draw in north London in 2010, while the following year his team were beaten 2-1 after late goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin, although the Catalans went on to win both ties on aggregate. 

Under his predecessor, Jupp Heynckes, champions Bayern beat the Gunners 3-1 at the same last-16 stage last season and went through on the away goals rule despite a 2-0 home defeat in the second leg.

Arsene Wenger's Londoners have not won a major trophy since 2005 but Guardiola insisted: "Arsenal compete with huge, huge teams and, for me, remain a good team, a good club. 

"We're going to fight against one of the best teams in Europe. It's a good test to know what is our level in Europe this year."