Thomas Tuchel exclusive: Bayern Munich boss says team must be 'almost perfect' in second leg to beat Arsenal

Thomas Tuchel says Bayern Munich will need to be "almost perfect" in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal, as the Bavarians chase down their "last chance" for a trophy this season.

Bayern have endured a frustrating domestic campaign after Bayer Leverkusen ended their run of 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles by securing their first-ever top-flight championship at the weekend.

Their only chance of a trophy now lies in the Europe’s premier cup competition after drawing the first leg 2-2 at the Emirates, as they look to seize upon home advantage in Wednesday’s second leg at the Allianz Arena – live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

“It was a deserved draw for both teams and the situation is pretty clear,” he told TNT Sports.

“The winner takes it all; the winner goes through. We have a home match and we want the crowd on the same level as at the Emirates, which gave fantastic support for Arsenal.

“But we are aware of the strengths and qualities of opponent, so we need to be at our best shape and have an almost perfect evening to go through.

“With that result from the first leg, it's a classic 50-50 match. You need to take advantage of the positive moments and you need to hang in there when you have a tough moment.

“We have a bit more experience in Champions League matches like that than Arsenal, but still it's not always usual for us to be in the semi-finals because we've not been there for a few years. It's a big day for everyone, and the finer details and moments will make a difference.”

The last two-legged tie between the two teams came in the 2016/17 round of 16, when Bayern prevailed 10-2 on aggregate after two 5-1 wins in both legs.

However, Tuchel insists that this is a very different Arsenal side to the one that was easily cast aside seven years ago and stressed the need of a fast start to get the crowd onside.

“I have the feeling that our supporters are aware of the quality Arsenal has shown in recent years; it's not the same Arsenal that they previously beat comfortably,” he explained.

“So, everyone is well aware about the difficulty of the task, but the expectation is always there at Bayern Munich.

“It's important to start strongly and get the crowd going when tough moments come, and they will come. It's necessary to suffer and to feel the support nevertheless and to hang in there."

With Tuchel set to leave his post as head coach at the end of the season, the German had a mixed response when asked if there was an added motivation to end his stint in charge on a high.

“Yes and no,” he replied. "We are very unhappy with how we played this season in the cup and league.

“I'm very unhappy with myself, I'm always self-critical and I accept the criticism that we take for it. Do I need it as an extra motivation for a quarter-final second leg against Arsenal? I don't think so, but there is this extra layer there and you can't deny it.

“This is our last chance for a title; it is the most difficult, but also the most beautiful title.”

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