Tuchel: 'Being a candidate and a hunter like Arsenal can be an advantage'

On Tuesday, Thomas Tuchel opened up about the dynamics between Bayern and Arsenal following their 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals in London.

He acknowledged that Bayern's status as a former champion of the competition might give them an edge. However, he also highlighted an intriguing aspect of Arsenal's position - the fact that they have never clinched the trophy. This, he suggested, could potentially work in their favor as they head to Munich.

"In our team, we have a slight advantage due to our past triumphs in this competition, but it's crucial for us to bring out our absolute best to make use of it. Sometimes, being both the contender and the pursuer can be advantageous. Arsenal aspires to be the team that breaks their Champions League drought, and that aspiration could serve as a driving force," Tuchel explained during a press conference held ahead of the Wednesday match at 8:00 PM.

Reflecting on their current position, he remarked, "Considering our recent history, it's not a regular occurrence for us to reach the semifinals. Yet, here we are, faced with the opportunity to progress in this magnificent tournament with 90 or 120 minutes of pivotal gameplay. Our determination is unwavering; we are prepared to leave everything on the pitch. Whether our additional five percent of experience will make a difference remains to be seen."

It's noteworthy that Bayern, despite their previous European success in the 2019/20 season, has consistently faltered in the quarterfinal stage of the Champions League in subsequent years.