We need to beat Bayern

This is going to be a yet another first for you.
It’s quite something to get to play Bayern in your first game for Arsenal in the Champions League. It worked out nicely. The only difference is only the fact that I’ll be playing for a new team, though, otherwise I’ve featured in lots of tough games like this one.

Do you have any particular memories of your last Chelsea game against Bayern?
Yeah, that in the Super Cup in Prague. We may have lost the penalties in the end but our performance was very decent, as was the overall quality of the game. I hope not to let the win go this time.

What do you expect from this duel?
It’s bound to be super-interesting for the fans from the entire world. We find ourselves in a position where we need to win or at least not lose in order to secure a chance for qualification. We’ll be facing the absolute favourite of the entire tournament. What’s more is that they just beat the Bundesliga record when they won the first nine games of the season. It’ll be no walk in the park, but we’ve got no choice but to tackle it.

Does the current form of Bayern inspire respect?
The results speak for themselves. Though the line-up has changed a bit, they still have world-class players and you can tell they’re on the top of their form. It’s going to be an interesting confrontation; it’s in games like this when you get to know the actual strength of a team. It’s all or nothing and if we do succeed, it’ll boost our confidence for the games to come.

You are going into the match knowing you cannot lose. What effect does that have on your nerves?
I can’t wait, actually. It’s why we play football. It’s a great challenge to face the best of the teams around. Bayern has been enormously successful in the offensive lately and so we’re going to have to defend our 100%. It’s bound to be an intriguing face-off. Matches like this can set the mood for the entire season. If we beat them, we’re going to have three other games to secure our qualification.

But Arsenal’s form is also commendable; last time you beat Watford 3-0.
It was essential to reaffirm our win against ManU before the national team meetings. Then there was a break and afterwards we only had only training session together since everyone got back at different times. The following game always tends to be slightly stressful, so I’m glad we managed. We’re going to be more than thoroughly prepared for the Bayern game and I’m sure we can get the situation in our group back under control.

It was the Watford game in which you obtained your 169th clean sheet; you are now a single one away from equalising David James’s all-time Premier League record.
I’m not too concerned about that at the moment. I never try to give it any less than my very best. It’s a nice cherry on top if I do manage to keep a clean slate, but the Bayern game is my top priority right now.