The boss of the Bundesliga leaders says his side will have to be at the top of their game as their opponents have the ability to overturn their two-goal deficit
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes does not think his team’s Champions League tie with Arsenal is over as has great respect for Arsene Wenger and is convinced they will try “everything” to get themselves back in it.
Die Roten won the first leg 3-1 at the Emirates with goals from Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Mario Mandzukic, but Heynckes insists the Gunners have the ability to turn it around if his side are not at their best and alluded to their near-incredible comeback against AC Milan at San Siro last year.
“We played excellent in the first leg. I know by experience you have to give 100 per cent all the time in this competition,” he told reporters.
“This is the Champions League, and Arsenal are not just any club. I know and respect [Arsene] Wenger. And I know Arsenal will try everything.
“Arsenal lost 4-0 to Milan in the first leg and won the return leg 3-0. Based on chances it should have ended 4-0.”
Bayern will be without Frank Ribery, who picked up an injury in the weekend’s win over Dusseldorf as Heynckes does not want to take any unnecessary risks with the star Frenchman.
He added: “Right after the game on Saturday, I knew he most likely would not play. He stretched ligaments.
“It is not a major injury. He should return to training on Thursday and we will take from there. We will not risk anything.”
They will also have Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng missing through suspension, although the coach believes his squad can cope with their absence.
Heynckes said: “With Luiz Gustavo, Javi Martinez and Toni Kroos we have three very different players that match well.”