Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany is preparing for a high-profile UEFA Champions League meeting with Arsenal on Wednesday night.
Kompany highlighted what he believes is the most striking common thread between Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola.
Speaking ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium, Kompany reflected on how both he and Arteta were shaped by their experiences under Guardiola at Manchester City, noting that he recognises a particular quality in the Arsenal boss that clearly stems from the Catalan’s influence.
“What I think Mikel has taken most from Pep, from what I’ve seen so far – and eventually he’ll have the trophies, I’m sure – is the relentlessness of the way the team’s set up, every phase,” Kompany said in an interview with TNT Sports.
“Also, the amount of pushback he’s had over the years and the calmness of how he just went through it and became stronger and stronger.
“It’s impressive, and that’s why I’m looking forward to the game, to be honest.”
The match, which will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+, comes with both teams in formidable form.
Bayern and Arsenal have each won all four of their league-phase fixtures to date, setting up a clash between two of the competition’s early pacesetters.
Bayern, spearheaded by Harry Kane, have been ruthless going forward, scoring an impressive 14 goals in their opening four European outings.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive with an impeccable defensive record, having yet to concede in the Champions League this season. Their reputation for discipline and organisation at the back has become one of the defining features of Arteta’s tenure.
