Mikel Arteta on whether he has taken any tips from Xabi Alonso to beat Bayern

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a priceless response when asked whether he has taken tips from Xabi Alonso to beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final.

The Gunners host the German champions in the first leg of the quarter-final tonight. They go into the game as slight favourites, but need to be wary of the attacking threat of Bayern.

Ahead of the game, Arteta was asked whether he has taken any tips from his close friend Alonso, who helped Bayer Leverkusen secure a 3-0 league win over Bayern back in February.

In response, the Spaniard responded with a smile and said (via TNT Sports): “Great question, but I am not going to answer that.”

Arteta and Alonso share a close bond from their childhood days at amateur youth club Antiguoko Kirol Elkartea. The Spanish duo spent six years together at the Basque Country outfit.

The Gunners boss will surely have taken some tips from Alonso for tonight’s game, but Arsenal still need to turn up with a strong performance to get the better of Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Bayern are on the verge of relinquishing their league title to Leverkusen, who have been exceptional under Alonso. They will want to make amends with a strong European campaign.

Hence, the Gunners can’t be complacent. The club had a tough outing against Porto in the round of 16 and it could be similar. Arsenal need to make a statement with a solid win tonight.

The club have lost 5-1 in the last three meetings against Bayern. Their last victory was a 2-0 win in 2015 at the Emirates. A similar result would be beneficial ahead of the return leg in Munich.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com