Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is in good spirits ahead of Tuesday's clash against Bayern Munich. At least, that's what we can glean from his clever response at this morning's pre-game press conference.
The Spaniard answered coyly when asked if Arteta had contacted his mate Xabi Alonso for intel on Bayern Munich. “Great question, but I'm not going to answer that!” he responded.
Arteta and Alonso played football together at Real Sociedad as kids, blossoming into a life-long friendship. Alonso has led Bayer Leverkusen to a 41-game unbeaten streak in all competitions; one win away from the club's first-ever Bundesliga title.
Arteta's Arsenal, meanwhile, remain unbeaten so far in 2024. The Gunners top the Premier League on goal difference and meet the Bavarian giants for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates tomorrow night.
The Spaniard will fancy his team's chances against a beaten-down Bayern Munich, who've lost five of their last ten matches. However, Thomas Tuche's side does have Arsenal's North London nemesis Harry Kane returning to the pitch. The former Spurs forward is still ripping goals — 38 in 37 matches this season — despite his side's uncharacteristic struggles.
He'll be vying to nip another one against the club that let him go as a youngster.
Check out Mikel Arteta's full press conference.
Photo: x/@spezials
