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Arsenal Vs Bayern Munich: Shkodran Mustafi Confidence Inspiring

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal cheers during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on January 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal cheers during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on January 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal face Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. In an inspirational move, Shkodran Mustafi is confident his side can conquer the German giants.

Confidence is a character trait that Arsenal have been heavily criticised for lacking in recent history. It is said that they lack the demeaning manner, the domineering presence which often wins games before a ball has kicked.

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At top level sport, games are often won and lost between the ears. Having the mental fortitude to overcome adversity and challenges and the self-belief to perform at the highest level against the best opponents. It is the latter scenario that Arsene Wenger’s side face on Wednesday.

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German giants Bayern Munich are a formidable team. Blessed with outstanding players and a shrewd manager, although their form this season has not matched the relentless winning of recent years, Carlo Ancelotti’s team are strong defensively and explosive offensively. Shkodran Mustafi, however, is confident that his team can overcome Munich when they face each other on Wednesday in the first of their two-legged Champions League last 16 tie, stating:

"“Of course, Bayern is a massive team to face, but we now all about this from Premier League games against teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.Like I said, I’m convinced our team can beat Bayern if we play to our potential. It’s up to us, that’s what makes me so positive about the tie. We’re not a team saying we hope Bayern has a bad day, but we are saying we hope we have a good day, because we know what we are capable of”"

Despite these comments being relatively straightforward and expect ahead of such a crucial game, Mustafi is quickly establishing himself as a key member of the squad, both in the pitch and in influencing the character of the dressing room off it.

The centre-half is hopeful about Arsenal’s chances, claiming that if they play to their potential, then a win is possible. Mustafi is a natural leader and what he says certainly carries weight within the team.

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As Arsenal look to upset the odds against Bayern, the confidence that Mustafi may inspire could well lead to an unlikely victory. This is a win-win game for Wenger’s side and Mustafi is confident that they can.