Arteta ‘hopeful’ Odegaard will return for blockbuster Bayern clash
Video credit: SNTV
Mikel Arteta believes Vincent Kompany’s passion for football is so great, that he could have chosen whatever route he wanted after hanging up his boots.The Bayern Munich boss returns to England on Wednesday night when his side face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
It means he will be reunited with Arteta, who was Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager at Manchester City when Kompany wore the captain’s armband.
During their time together, the pair formed a strong bond which allowed the Spaniard to see just how good a footballing brain the former defender has.
Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports, he said: “I didn’t know if he wanted to be a manager or a CEO or a president… I think he had the capacity to do whatever he wanted.
“[He’s] So passionate about the game. Unbelievable, hard-working person. Very intelligent. Someone who can transmit a message in different languages.
“I’m very happy to see that he’s doing well.”
Arteta moved to Manchester City alongside Guardiola in 2016, rekindling a relationship that the pair had built up during their playing days at Barcelona.
Kompany was already part of the furniture at the Etihad Stadium by this point, having played a leading role in the club’s Premier League title successes in 2011/12 and 2013/14.
He would win another five major honours under Guardiola’s leadership before leaving for Anderlecht in 2019.
“We had a great time together,” Arteta added. “I really enjoy his company. I’m very happy.”
It was while back in Belgium that Kompany moved into management, and in 2022, he returned to England, guiding Burnley to promotion to the Premier League.
That attracted attention from Bayern Munich, where he took the reins in 2024.
And after a tricky first season in Germany, the club are beginning to motor.
They have won all but one of their 18 games across all competitions this season, and even that was a 2-2 draw against Union Berlin earlier this month.
As such, Bayern sit top of the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League tables.
Defence could be key for ‘well-rounded’ Arsenal to win UCL – Hargreaves
Video credit: TNT Sports
However, their place in Europe is slightly more precarious, leading Arsenal – who have also won four out of four league-phase fixtures – on goal difference only.
That means the Emirates Stadium is in for a real showdown, although Arteta would not be drawn on saying the clash will be Arsenal’s toughest of the campaign so far.
“We have had a few already, because we’ve played some top teams already this season,” he continued. “But for the moment that they are in and what they are producing, it will be a really demanding game.
“The capacity that they have, in any type of game, to resolve any situation. That’s what the big teams do. That’s why they have won every game apart from one draw!”
‘We want to show how good we are’ – Timber
Arsenal head into the clash on the back of an emphatic 4-1 win over Spurs in the North London Derby at the weekend.
That result leaves them top of the Premier League by six points, and comes despite missing a number of players through injury.
Defender Gabriel, as well as captain Martin Odegaard, watched from the stands due to fitness concerns. The latter could be back to face Bayern, which would be a huge boost to a team attempting to extend a 15-match unbeaten run.
Defender Jurrien Timber has been at the heart of that good form.
Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports, he admits this match might well be a step up from recent domestic fixtures.
“It’s going to be a big test,” he said. “Bayern Munich are a great team. They have amazing players and they are in form as well.
‘Finished article’ Arsenal are UCL favourites – Cole
Video credit: TNT Sports
“They are playing great, and they have a new manager who is doing amazing. They haven’t lost in the Champions League or even the Bundesliga.
“That says a lot. It’s going to be a good test for us, but also a fun challenge.
“The adrenaline makes it fun. You can sense it in the team, but also in the stadium before. Going on the pitch to warm up, you can feel ‘OK, this is a big game.’
“We want to win and tomorrow we want to show how good we are.”
When is Arsenal v Bayern Munich?
Arsenal v Bayern Munich will take place on Wednesday, November 26 at Emirates Stadium.
Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+ starting from 19:00.
– – –
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
