Bayern Munich will host Arsenal in the third round of the Champions League group stage. Ahead of the match, Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry, who previously played for Arsenal, attended a press conference. This article covers highlights from the press conference.
Hello, since you are personally attending the press conference today, does that mean you will definitely start tomorrow? We've also included you in our predicted starting lineup. Can you reveal a bit more information? For example, what position will you play tomorrow? Will it be as a number 10 or on the wing? Also, a second question: what preparations do you need to make for tomorrow's match?
Thank you very much for including me in the predicted starting lineup, but I cannot reveal more about the specific formation and personnel arrangements right now. Olise is suspended and will not be available tomorrow; Jamal Musiala is also out due to injury. So tomorrow we will see what the team's specific lineup and structure will be like. We are about to face a very strong opponent, and we must put in an extremely strong performance on the field. Let's wait and see who will be in better form and perform better in tomorrow's match.
You have served as captain when playing for the national team, but after returning to the club, you have only recently come off the bench and need to show patience. Considering your history at Arsenal, are you eager to play in tomorrow's match against them?
Considering my history and connection with Arsenal, I am indeed very much looking forward to playing against them again. After a longer-than-expected injury absence, I'm incredibly happy to be back with the team and playing again. Therefore, I'm very happy for every opportunity I get to play. My mindset is very relaxed right now, and I'm looking forward to every minute on the field. Of course, I still need some game time to regain my best rhythm, but my overall mindset is positive. As long as I can play, I'm happy. Most importantly, we need to win the match as a team.
Serge, you said something similar after playing for the national team against Serbia, that you needed more playing time to build up. How do you assess your current state now? You don't have to give us a specific percentage, but how far do you think you are from returning to 100% fitness?
I feel like you asked me the exact same question last time. It's really hard to give a specific answer or percentage. It really takes time and match experience to get back into rhythm and feel. Getting playing time and increasing minutes on the field is the most crucial thing. My mindset is very relaxed now, and the most important thing is that the injury doesn't flare up again. As long as I stay healthy, everything else will naturally fall into place.
Hello, we heard that you always perform well when facing English teams. Also, what changes occur in the team's preparation process when the head coach, Kompany, cannot personally be on the sidelines?
The entire preparation process and daily routine are exactly the same. Aaron Danks, our assistant coach, has taken over the specific coaching work, and he is doing an excellent job. We have an extremely good coaching staff. The last time the head coach wasn't on the sidelines was during the match in Paris, when Vinny couldn't guide from the sidelines. Essentially, nothing has changed.
Of course, if the head coach cannot be there in person, the atmosphere might be slightly different, but the rest of the coaching staff is doing an excellent job. As for my record against English teams, I hope this excellent run continues. I just want to be part of the team and make my contribution, and it's even better if I can score goals.
As you just mentioned, Olise is suspended due to a red card and cannot play. He is an extremely good player, and some even say your team is too reliant on him. Will playing without him serve as extra motivation to inspire your other players to showcase their abilities?
That is not our focus; we don't need any extra motivation. We don't read what the newspapers write, and we don't care about outside opinions. We just want to win the game. Of course, Olise is an extremely good player, and he delivers standout performances in every match, so his absence will indeed have an impact. However, we are a collective team, and in football, injuries or player absences always occur. Our squad depth and personnel quality are excellent, so we just need to give our all and push forward.
May I ask my question in English and have you answer in English?
(Answers in English) Yes, of course!
This is clearly a highly anticipated clash between two of the top teams favored to go all the way in this season's Champions League. But for you personally, because of your connection to Arsenal, this match feels particularly special. Can you tell us about that? You once played alongside Mikel Arteta and started your professional career at Arsenal...
Yes, as you mentioned, playing against my old club is always a special game for me. It's especially significant because I spent many years there—I joined when I was 16 and grew up there. So I am obviously very much looking forward to this match. The last time we met was at the Emirates, and now I'm very much looking forward to playing in front of our home fans.
It's always a bit strange when you play against a team whose coach was your former teammate. But he's doing a really good job. Arsenal has made huge progress and won the title last season, so it's definitely a tough battle. We want to overpower them and get the victory. And as I said, in some ways I'm particularly looking forward to this game.
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