Bayern winger Serge Gnabry isn’t surprised his former Arsenal teammate Mikel Arteta became a successful coach, telling reporters Tuesday that Arteta was always a leader in their dressing room. The two are set to face off in a massive Champions League clash on Wednesday, and Gnabry’s insight into Arteta’s early days is giving us a real glimpse into the Gunners boss.
Arteta’s True North
Gnabry, who started his club career at Arsenal, remembered Arteta being a huge influence. “He was certainly a leader within our team back then. He was the captain during the season we played together,” Gnabry said on Tuesday. He wasn’t just wearing the armband, either. Gnabry recalled Arteta constantly helping them out, sharing tons of advice, and always being super approachable and open. The Bayern star even called Arteta a “kind person” who “led the team to great success.” It’s not like they “saw it coming,” Gnabry admitted, but he’s clearly developed into something special. For Gnabry, playing against a team coached by an old teammate feels “strange,” but he’s hyped. He called it a “special match” to go up against his former club, the place where he grew up from the age of 16. Talk about a full-circle moment!
Bayern’s Bench Boss Battles the Virus
On the other side of the pitch, Bayern is dealing with some curveballs of their own. Head coach Vincent Kompany is battling a virus and might not even be on the sidelines for the Champions League match. Assistant coach Aaron Danks stepped up for Tuesday’s press conference and could be in charge come Wednesday. Kompany was technically on the sidelines for Saturday’s wild 6-1 win over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, but he was struggling to walk and had to skip the post-match press conference. Danks downplayed any personal motivation, saying it’s “always Bayern Munich’s victory,” not about individual achievements. He plans the training sessions and takes the lead on the grass, but admitted they “miss having him around.” Danks praised Kompany as a “real leader” who works incredibly hard, stressing how important it is for him to rest up.
This Champions League showdown is going down Wednesday at the Allianz Arena. With Kompany’s status up in the air and Gnabry ready to face his old mentor, it’s going to be an intense match everyone will be glued to.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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