Arsenal Was the Worst Draw Possible For Us, Bemoans Bayern Defender

Bayern Munich were left unhappy after drawing Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League knock out stage with defender Jerome Boateng describing the Gunners as the "worst possible opponent we could get."

The two clubs were drawn against each other at the same stage of the tournament last year where Bayern overpowered the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium to take a 3-1 advantage, before Arsene Wenger's side pulled off an impressive 2-0 win in the corresponding fixture at the Allainz Arena.

Although it was not enough to see them through, Arsenal's win in Munich was Bayern's only loss at home that season and just their second of 2013.

Aware of the danger the Premier League leaders pose, former Manchester City defender Boateng told his club's official website: "They're the toughest opponents we could have had. They'll be totally up for it after what happened last year. Both matches will be very intense."

Echoing his defensive partner's sentiments, Dante is also wary of the challenge at hand. "It's a very difficult game. We must maintain concentration in both legs. Arsenal have bought a couple of world class players and are stronger than last season. It's the top team in England against the leaders in Germany, there are no favourites."

While Arsenal are unlikely to be thrilled with drawing the holders of the competition, Bayern director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also stressed that his club must be at their very best to bypass the threat of Arsenal.

"There were more manageable and easier opponents in the hat, but we can't change it," Rummenigge said. "We know we have to approach Arsenal with great respect, and that's what we'll do. We will have to turn in two very good performances."