Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista has spoken to the media following the victory over Swansea on Saturday, and has expressed his confidence that Arsenal will secure a positive result against German giants Bayern Munich (via ESPN). The Gunners travel to the Allianz Arena this week for a crunch fixture, which could very well decide our fate in Europe this season. However, the Brazilian defender seems unfazed by the caliber of the opposition and our own injury worries.
Ironically, we have done better against Bayern away from home. Before this season, we had lost at the Emirates on both of our previous meetings; however when playing in Germany our record stands at one win and a draw. This will surely provide a boost to the team heading into the game, but maintaining that record seems like a challenging proposition.
Since their defeat to us, Bayern have continued on their merry way in the Bundesliga, picking up two wins and a draw. They will also be looking to set the record straight at home, while we will be lacking the services of Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey. All this means nothing to Gabriel however. Speaking to ESPN, he said “When we play away, we also have to have a slightly different outlook, but that doesn’t mean we will spend the whole game defending.
“We are a big team, we are Arsenal and we need to attack because we need the result, but we need to attack with intelligence and make sure we don’t suffer a defeat and complicate our situation for the rest of our competition.
“Everything is possible in football. We know the difficulties we are going to find. Bayern are an excellent team playing at home with the fans on their side, so it will be a big challenge.
“If we are as determined as we have been over the last few years, I believe that we can go there and get a great result.”
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Last time out, we did in fact spend a large portion of the game defending as Bayern enjoyed over 70% of the ball. How Gabriel intends to change that at the Allianz Arena I do not know, but it is certainly refreshing to have players like him, Sanchez and Bellerin on the team; who are always willing to give their utmost.
The 24-year old also spoke about adjusting to the way of life in England. The defender joined us in January this year from Spanish side Villarreal, but seems to be enjoying life at the Emirates without any issues.
“I think I am adapting more to English football every day. My style of game is similar to the English style anyway, so I am very well adapted” he said.
“I am growing in every game and getting more experience. I am helping my team and I am at the disposal of my manager.
“If he chooses me, I will try do my best to be able to help my teammates get the result we need.”
Arsenal vice captain Per Mertesacker had a forgettable game against the Swans, and with a fit and in-form Gabriel on the bench, his chances of starting against the Germans look slim at best. It is very likely that Gabriel will be partnered alongside Laurent Koscielny as we travel to Munich, and hopefully the team can produce another performance like on Saturday and secure the win.
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