Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker believes the Gunners must have defensive discipline when they face Bayern Munich in tonight’s Champions League Last 16 match.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Telegraph, the German international feels that they can use a solid defensive foundation in order to then to express themselves more offensively:
“I think defensive discipline is something we have to put back in our minds because it’s something we need desperately. If you want to be at the top, you need discipline. We need to focus on that kind of game where we feel good defensively first, and then from there spread out and find out offensive power.”
Arsenal have conceded three goals against Bournemouth and Chelsea over the last month; both with the recognised first choice centre back partnership of Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny.
With David Ospina to be chosen ahead of Petr Cech in goal for the match, it gives the Gunners fans an additional concern going into the game at the Allianz Arena.
Keeping a clean sheet will be tough at the home of the German champions but Arsene Wenger’s side will be hopeful of coming back to England with something to show for it heading into the second leg at the Emirates.
