Video: Guardiola picks out Arsenal’s “huge, huge players” ahead of CL clash

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola saw his side drawn with Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League, labelling the draw as the most difficult that his side could have achieved. The former Barcelona boss warned that his side will need to be on top of their game to go through the tie, pointing to the test that the Gunners posed Bayern at the same stage last season as proof of the danger that his side face.

“The draw it was the most difficult team we could achieve,” the Spaniard told reporters.

“But I am happy because now we know we are in the top, we need a good two games to be able to qualify.

“They are leading in the Premier League, they have huge, huge players in [Mesut] Ozil, [Santi] Cazorla, [Mikel] Arteta, [Per] Mertesacker and [Theo] Walcott.

“They are a very, very good team and I am happy for that. To play the best teams is fascinating and we know we will have to play good. Other opponents you can play at not a high level [and win].”

The two sides met at the same stage of the competition last season, with Bayern Munich edging Arsenal out on away goals. Bayern looked to have one foot in the next round when they returned from the first leg with a 3-1 lead, but Arsenal stunned their hosts to win 2-0 at the Allianz Arena to almost progress.

“We know as Bayern Munich what happened last season”, Guardiola continued. “We won 3-1 in London and after the [first] five minutes in Munich [in which Arsenal scord] it was very difficult, as they are able to play good in both positions. They are able to play in the counterattack.

“It is a tough game and we are going to prepare as much as possible to beat them.”

Bayern have only lost two of their last 17 Champions League games, both to English sides. They lost 2-0 to Arsenal in February and 3-2 to Manchester City last week.