Podolski makes Bayern favourites against Arsenal
Arsenal's Germany star Lukas Podolski has said Bayern Munich start favourites for Tuesday's Champions League last 16, first-leg clash at the Emirates Stadium.
"Bayern are definitely favourites, but there are two games and we have the chance to reach the next round," the 27-year-old told Sunday's edition of German daily Die Welt with the second leg in Munich on March 13.
"You can assume we won't hang back and see what Bayern do. We have the quality to stand up against them."
Arsenal are fifth in the Premier League, 21 points behind leaders Manchester United, while Bayern began the weekend 15 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
Podolski and Germany team-mate Per Mertesacker both sat out Arsenal's FA Cup second round defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers with Colin Kazim-Richards scoring the 72nd-minute for the side who are eighth in the Championship.
The Germany star has impressed since joining the Gunners in July, after his previous club Cologne were relegated from the Bundesliga last season, but has lost his place in the national team.
"I am self-critical enough and know that I don't always do things perfectly," he said, having made 107 appearances for Germany since 2004.
"But I have been part of the Germany team for nearly a decade and have made more than 100 appearances. I know how the business works.
"When you are dropped, suddenly you're the player under pressure who has to fear for his place and I can honestly say that I can live with that."
©2011 AFP
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