Jonathan Tah backs Bayern to beat Arsenal as he hails 'underestimated' KaI Havertz

Jonathan Tah backs Bayern to beat Arsenal as he hails 'underestimated' KaI Havertz

The German international praised Arsenal's development under Mikel Arteta ahead of Wednesday's Champions League meeting at Allianz Arena, highlighting the strength of their team and the identity they have built in recent years.

"Arsenal have been doing great the last years, the way they build this team and this identity," Tah told Times Sport.

"We faced them last year and felt how difficult it was to play against them."

Tah is particularly looking forward to coming up against Havertz, whom he has known for a decade. The Bayern defender believes the Arsenal forward does not receive enough recognition for his ability and contribution.

"Kai is my good friend since ten years. Great character, amazing player, a player that is still underestimated to be fair," Tah said.

"I don't think he gets the appreciation he deserves. We already talked about the game. I'm really looking forward to it."

While the prospect of facing Havertz adds a personal dimension to the contest, Tah is also confident in Bayern's ability to compete with Arsenal.

The defender credited Bayern coach Vincent Kompany with helping him improve his game, explaining that the Belgian has made a significant impact on his development since taking charge.

"He has improved me a lot," Tah said.

"He's someone who really sees the whole picture. Looks beyond the game, beyond the pitch. He's really focused on developing the personality of a player."

Tah added that Kompany wants him to become a leader, drawing on the qualities the coach demonstrated during his own playing career.

"He wants me to be a leader like he was. He's so young, you watch how he handles things as a coach and sometimes feel he's doing the same thing he would as a player," Tah explained.

Bayern will need to deliver a strong performance against an Arsenal side Tah knows well, but the defender believes his team's playing identity gives them the confidence to challenge any opponent.

"We're convinced that with this identity, if we bring it, we can win every game," he said.

Related News

Andoni Iraola: Villarreal boss could've been my assistant coach at Liverpool

Andoni Iraola: Villarreal boss could've been my assistant coach at Liverpool

  • 53 minutes ago

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has revealed that Villarreal counterpart Inigo Perez was his preferred choice to join his coaching staff before a work permit rejection prevented the Spaniard from moving to Bournemouth in 2023.

Marc Guehi urges Man City to learn from 'defensive mistakes' vs AEK Athens

Marc Guehi urges Man City to learn from 'defensive mistakes' vs AEK Athens

  • 3 hours ago

Marc Guehi believes Manchester City can continue to develop under Enzo Maresca as they prepare to face AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

Pedri fires 'cheeky' warning at Ferran Torres before Barcelona's PSG clash

Pedri fires 'cheeky' warning at Ferran Torres before Barcelona's PSG clash

  • 6 hours ago

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has jokingly warned his close friend Ferran Torres not to score when the Catalan side face Paris Saint-Germain in a major Champions League clash tonight at Parc des Princes.

Dortmund 'must deliver' as Kovac warns against Sabah Champions League upset

Dortmund 'must deliver' as Kovac warns against Sabah Champions League upset

  • 5 hours ago

Niko Kovac has challenged Borussia Dortmund to end their winless run and rediscover their scoring touch when they face Sabah FK in the Champions League on Tuesday.