Ferdinand worries for Arsenal ‘confidence’ and ‘momentum’ if Bayern win ‘huge’ game
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Published 17/04/2024 at 00:14 GMT
Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal’s season could be completely derailed if they fail to win their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. The tie is locked a 2-2 after the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have surrendered top spot in the Premier League after losing to Aston Villa, and Ferdinand says that makes a response in Germany absolutely crucial.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attends a press conference at the Allianz Arena on April 16, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (
Image credit: Getty Images
TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand admits he fears for Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge – if they get knocked out of Europe this week.
“I think this game coming up is a huge game,” he told TNT Sports.
“Listen, they’re all big at this stage, but if they lose this game and go out of the Champions League, their confidence is lower than it’s been probably since Arteta came to the football club.
“They’ll have to go a lot to rebuild that in a short space of time to get themselves back going. We talk about momentum at this stage. You need to keep it, so tomorrow is so vital for them.
“Their defenders and the team looked more shaky than we’ve seen them this season, and this is the most critical part of the season.
“It’s the run in; the final run in to where the trophies are handed out. You need to be at your most composed. I really hope for their sake that they can make things right this week.”
This is the first time Arsenal have reached the Champions League quarter-finals since 2009-10.
They are also looking to end a 20-year wait to lift the Premier League.
The Gunners face a tough proposition in Bayern though, given their opponents won their most recent of their six European Cups in 2020.
They can draw confidence from the fact Thomas Tuchel’s side are struggling domestically, and will fail to finish top of the Bundesliga for the first time in 12 years.
TNT Sports pundit Peter Crouch believes that means the German side are under huge pressure themselves.
“Bayern are in the same situation,” he said. “I know it’s only two points with Manchester City, but you just feel like they’re not going to drop any points.
“So it feels like a huge blow, the weekend against Aston Villa. If they go out to Bayern, that’s going to be an awful week for them, but Bayern are in the same situation.
“They kind of have win the Champions League, or get to the final, because certainly at Bayern, the fans don’t tolerate not winning something.”
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