When Bayern's players leave their changing room after games at the Allianz Arena, they pass a red wall with huge letters where it says: Respect. Courage. Commitment. Desire. Passion.
Following Saturday's 2-0 win against Köln, these attributes are more important than ever for the upcoming challenge as Bayern host Arsenal for their Champions League quarter-final showdown on Wednesday. The tie is finely poised after the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw. Now, it's time to follow stadium announcer Stephan Lehmann's rallying cry: “Do or die!”
Tuchel: “We need the full package”
"We have to win and we want to win,” Joshua Kimmich resolutely confirmed. Following victory over Köln, the attention of him and his teammates immediately shifted to the big game for semi-final qualification. Serge Gnabry will definitely miss the game due to injury, while Kingsley Coman was also forced off injured on Saturday afternoon. “Really bad news,” commented Thomas Tuchel. But whoever ends up in the starting XI on Wednesday, the Bayern head coach emphasised: “We need the full package. A complete performance, a little bit of luck and the fans.”
Tactically, Bayern are expecting a demanding challenge. Arsenal showed in the first leg just how well and confidently they can play. Bayern will be forced to show the highest degree of concentration in all areas: in defence, in possession, during the high press. Tuchel knows: “We need the full package.” Defender Matthijs de Ligt added: “It's going to be a difficult game. We have to embrace every individual duel.”
“We have to defend as a collective on Wednesday and show the right energy. The atmosphere and the support from our fans will definitely be outstanding, and that's going to help. I'm really excited about it,” Eric Dier said looking forward to Wednesday's clash. And the players already experienced a little taste of the immediate future against Köln as the excitement inside Munich's Allianz Arena was all but palpable.
The Bundesliga match against Köln proved the perfect warm-up. Ideal preparation which gave Bayern a positive outlook. Stats like 70 percent possession, 16 shots on goal, two shots against the woodwork and finally two beautiful goals scored by Raphaël Guerreiro and Thomas Müller illustrated Bayern's dominance.
Another good omen is the fact that Bayern finally managed to keep a clean sheet following 10 unsuccessful attempts in the Bundesliga. While Köln managed to create some danger in front of Bayern's goal as well, the Bavarians had the opposition under control for the most part. Sven Ulreich also did a marvellous job deputising for Manuel Neuer, who was rested as a precautionary measure.
Palpable excitement
Towards the end of the second half, the fans at the Allianz Arena already began to chant songs about European Cup glory. After the final whistle, it quickly became apparent who everyone in the stadium was now focusing on. With arms locked, the Bayern players jumped up and down in front of the Südkurve, celebrating Saturday's win and chanting European Cup songs with their fans.
“You could tell when we stood in front of the fans. The boys and girls in the Südkurve can't wait for Wednesday and neither can we. We all know how important this is. I hope we can experience a fantastic night of football. The great thing about this situation is that the team that wins will actually progress,” Müller commented.
One thing is clear: We are a unit. The motivation is great. The dream is alive.
On Wednesday against Arsenal we need: Respect. Courage. Commitment. Desire. Passion.
The numbers behind the Köln win:
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