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Bayern Munich v Arsenal: Win not impossible - Arsene Wenger

Last updated on .From the section Footballcomments667

Bayern task not impossible - Wenger

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal can fight back from a 3-1 deficit against Bayern Munich on Wednesday and reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

The absence of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, Jack Wilshere and Bacary Sanga has also added to Arsenal's task.

But Wenger says: "It is difficult we know that, but it is not impossible.

"The only way to make it possible is to have a real go - that's what we'll do. Turning up expecting to go out would be absolutely unacceptable for us."

As well as the first-leg scoreline and a depleted squad, Bayern Munich's formidable home record will also challenge Arsenal's ambitions.

The German side have not conceded three goals at home since losing to Inter Milan in the Champions League two years ago. In this season's Bundesliga campaign, Bayern have only let in 10 goals in 25 matches.

But Wenger argued: "We have big experience in the Champions League and in Europe we have basically won everywhere and that means we have the right to believe.

"I am convinced that if this team can find a big game you will see a completely different animal.

"This season we have fought to find that in the big games and we have another opportunity [on Wednesday]. I hope the team takes this chance.

"I have a great respect for this team and its attitude and they have not been rewarded yet.

"It is important for the end to our season that we do it."

Arsenal lie fifth in the Premier League and out of the Champions League qualifying places.

Wenger's side were also dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship side Blackburn.

Arsenal are still searching for their first trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2005.

Although Wenger has faced criticism this season, it is understood that the Frenchman's position is not under threat even if his Champions League campaign ends on Wednesday and the club fail to qualify for next season's competition.

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667 comments

  • Comment posted by User0113946126, at 20:22 12 Mar 2013

    Phew I panicked for a second......I thought the article didn't mention Arsenal's faiure to win a trophy since 2005..but alas! It's at the bottom.

  • Comment posted by User0161511360, at 20:34 12 Mar 2013

    Yes it is not impossible, of course it isn't. Why make a headline about such a generic comment. Another groundbreaking football article from the BBC.

  • Comment posted by User0573858390, at 20:27 12 Mar 2013

    not impossible but highly unlikely.

  • Comment posted by User0244984965, at 20:41 12 Mar 2013

    And england can actually win the world cup next year

  • Comment posted by User0509290205, at 23:04 12 Mar 2013

    It would be a pretty awful manager who says "We have no chance, we are only turning up because we have to" What is he supposed to say?

  • Comment posted by its up for grabs now, at 22:14 12 Mar 2013

    When I was a kid I cheered on LFC, NFFC and AVFC celebrating their European wins, and more recently MU, LFC and CFC.

    Money, greed and multiple qualifiers create this vitriol against clubs one should be supporting. Arsenal are the only PL team left and however improbable a win they deserve everyone's support.

    Remember the code: Team-League-Country-God*

    *God of course is Dennis Bergkamp

  • Comment posted by User0587370713, at 22:37 12 Mar 2013

    Oh look! Another article with a comments section! Let's use this opportunity to complain about how pointless the article is or how poor the standard of journalism is on the BBC, I'm pretty sure we'll be the first to raise the subject.

    What's that? Use the comments section to actually debate sport? Don't be ridiculous!

  • Comment posted by Drasticus Maximus, at 22:42 12 Mar 2013

    Nice article BBC - you quote another bland comment from a manager, tell us where they are in the PL table, that they were knocked out in the cups and when they last won a trophy. I think that's the 1000th article inspired by Wikipedia this season. But at least you can get the 'big club, small club' garbage going again.

  • Comment posted by Noah Harley, at 20:58 12 Mar 2013

    At last a FAIR BBC article on Arsenal Wenger the tile says what he actually said. Before, for example, when he said he's happy with Walcott despite having missed out on Bale - his comments were twisted to "Wenger happy with Walcott over Bale."

  • Comment posted by User0375202094, at 20:53 12 Mar 2013

    United4life "United are once again the only EPL team to come out of this season with any credit."

    You didnt make it through a ridiculously easy group last year, arsenal made it through their tougher group, and Chelsea won the whole thing....

    Credit where it's due..

  • Comment posted by User0495011526, at 00:39 13 Mar 2013

    When is the bbc going to drop this anti wenger agenda they have...I have never read such biased articles - all he meant was that it is difficult but he will have a go...as any manager would.

    And what do the bbc come out with...

    I feel sorry for arsene wenger for having to deal with such naive and incompetent journalists who have no understanding of football...

  • Comment posted by reg turner, at 18:09 13 Mar 2013

    What Arsene Wenger has achieved at Arsenal in remarkable , another very young side with great potential , a new stadium and debt free. Arsenal are a financially viable business in a deep recession. Totally admirable ! Good luck tonight Gunners . From a Chelsea fan.

  • Comment posted by daniel, at 21:54 12 Mar 2013

    Its not impossible, in fact I'd say Arsenal have a decent shot. Time and time again to me they seem to thrive when playing under no/little pressure and with 2 early goals, the tie would be very interesting. Not saying they will do so but it is definitely possible. Draw is on the cards for me though

  • Comment posted by User0717507751, at 18:09 13 Mar 2013

    @579
    Arsenal will suffer an embarrassing defeat tonight...

    Unlikely IMHO, Arsenal are underdogs, they have no expectations of success, and sides in that position can be dangerous.

    I wouldn't be at all surprised if Arsenal win tonight, but whether it will be by enough goals to put them through is another question.

    And I'm not an Arsenal fan, but as an Englishman I'll be cheering for them.

  • Comment posted by justice96ynwa, at 21:38 13 Mar 2013

    Great score but not good enough, great valiant attempt So close,

  • Comment posted by User0842217624, at 18:09 13 Mar 2013

    if we win tonight we are taking the champions league - remember liverpool's journey to istanbul?

  • Comment posted by D1693130404386, at 19:27 13 Mar 2013

    To be honest i think the media asked him if he feels its impossible and he replied that its not impossible. Then we call him delusional which while being fun is a little unfair. Still its good for banter and i think deep down many of us hope they do well , put up a good fight and go out.

  • Comment posted by justice96ynwa, at 20:57 12 Mar 2013

    24.United4Life

    Last season irrelevant to this season but Man Us past isnt?

  • Comment posted by User0717507751, at 17:17 13 Mar 2013

    Can Arsenal beat Bayern Munich? Yes of course they can. Will they by enough goals? Who knows, probably not, definitely not if they play like they did in the first leg.

    They do have the capability of beating them and stranger things have happened but it's got to be a tough ask.

    I hope they do for the sake of English football, it's sad they're the last English club left in the Champions League.

  • Comment posted by davidindevon, at 17:24 13 Mar 2013

    As a lifelong LFC supporter (1st match at Anfield in boys pen, May 1954) I fear for the games future when Owners such as those at Arsenal are clearly more interested in profit than the well being of both the Club and Supporters. We had it with Gillette/Hicks and it does not bode well for AFC.

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