Thomas Tuchel pinpoints what Arsenal lack after eliminating them from 2023-24 UEFA Champions League campaign
Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel had much to say about what Arsenal lacked in their Champions League campaign after knocking them out of the competition on Wednesday night.
Tuchel's side achieved a 1-0 victory over the Gunners in the second leg of the UCL quarterfinals at the Allianz Arena, winning 3-2 aggregate. Having lost their chance of securing the Bundesliga title in the 2023-34 season, Bayern's only hope of avoiding a trophyless season is winning the Champions League.
After the match, Thomas Tuchel called Arsenal an "elite team". He explained that what they lack is 'experience in big games' (via Hayters TV).
"For me they are an elite team. I know that Mikel maybe does not want to hear this. If you watch Arsenal games it’s consistent, it’s fun to watch, and every match something to learn. Maybe what they miss a little bit is experience in big games like this," Tuchel said.
Tuchel's advice comes in light of Arsenal heading towards yet another trophyless season. The north Londoners squandered their lead at the top of the Premier League table after going down 0-2 against Aston Villa. They currently have 71 points to their name, trailing league leaders Manchester City by two points.
Arsenal proved Thomas Tuchel's analysis right with their Champions League journey
Arsenal qualified for the UCL for the first time since 2017 and played their first quarterfinals since 2010 this season. They have never won the competition in their history.
In 2017, the North London side was knocked out of the competition by Bayern Munich 2-10 on aggregate in the Round of 16.
The club has been title contenders for the Premier League in both the previous and current season but were unable to secure their title last season after a humiliating 4-0 loss to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.
They are currently ranked second in the Premier League with 71 points but might head towards another trophyless season if the first-ranked Manchester City do not lose any of their upcoming games.
The current Arsenal side includes young players like Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Martinelli. They are between 22 to 26 years of age and do not have the required experience to excel in the Champions League, as suggested by Thomas Tuchel.