Mesut Özil loves games against teams like Bayern Munich, says: “Not going to hide”

Mesut Ozil has claimed that Bayern Munich have improved as a side under Pep Guardiola – but is still backing Arsenal to overcome their Bavarian opponents in the Champions League.

The Gunners meet Bayern in the last 16 for the second year running, with the German side progressing last year on away goals, as they marched to glory after two final defeats in the previous three years.

That came as part of a historic treble for Bayern, but Ozil feels they have improved even further this season and is relishing taking them on for a place in the quarter finals.

Ozil told reporters: “I have huge respect for Bayern.

“They are even better than they were last year, but we are not going to hide.

“Anything is possible over two legs. I’m the kind of player who loves games like these.”

Ozil has come under fire from some sections of the Arsenal support after a run of poor form saw him make two costly errors in the 5-1 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool.

Fans have been expecting more from their £42 million summer signing from Real Madrid who has tailed off after making an impressive start to life in the Premier League, but he will have a chance to recapture the hearts of the Gunners’ faithful if he can mastermind a victory over the reigning European champions.

Mesut Ozil has hit the target with 84% of his 25 shots this season. Of regular shooters in the Premier League, only Aaron Lennon has a better shooting accuracy than the German.