Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand has delivered high praise for Arsenal, labeling them as potentially the finest team in European football right now. This commendation comes just before the two sides are set to clash in a highly anticipated Champions League last-16 first-leg encounter this Wednesday evening in Germany.
Hjulmand's Bold Assessment of Arsenal's Dominance
Speaking ahead of the critical European fixture, Hjulmand did not hold back in his admiration for the Premier League leaders. "Arsenal are perhaps the best team in Europe at the moment," declared the Leverkusen head coach, who assumed his role last year following a four-year tenure with the Denmark national team. He elaborated on Arsenal's impressive Champions League campaign, noting their flawless group stage performance with eight consecutive victories, where they scored the most goals and conceded the fewest.
Despite this formidable challenge, Hjulmand expressed genuine excitement about facing Mikel Arteta's squad. "It's one of the most difficult challenges, but we're really looking forward to it. We want to enjoy big games like this together with our fans," he stated. The Leverkusen boss pointed to his team's previous successes against top-tier opponents this season, including Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig, as evidence that they can compete at the highest level. "As we all know, anything is possible in football. You just have to believe in it. This belief in yourself is extremely important," Hjulmand emphasized, highlighting his squad's confidence heading into the match.
Arsenal's Stellar Season and Treble Aspirations
Arsenal's current campaign has been nothing short of sensational. Under Arteta's guidance, they have established a seven-point lead at the summit of the Premier League. Beyond domestic dominance, the Gunners have secured a spot in this month's Carabao Cup final and advanced to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, positioning themselves as serious contenders for multiple trophies. Their Champions League form has been equally commanding, making them one of the favorites to lift the European trophy.
However, Arteta remains grounded, urging his players to focus on the present. In his pre-match press conference, the Arsenal manager stressed, "I live in the present and I prepare for what I expect and what I feel every single day with optimism. Putting everything that I have in, and trying to transmit and inspire those players to feel the same way. And then this is football. We have to do it. There is so much to do. There is a lot that we have done, but the important part is coming now and it starts tomorrow."
Kai Havertz's Emotional Return to Leverkusen
Adding a personal narrative to the clash, Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is set to return to Bayer Leverkusen, where he began his professional career and spent ten years. Havertz, who has faced injury setbacks this season, shared his sentiments about the homecoming. "It is amazing to be back at Leverkusen, I have seen a lot of familiar faces," he remarked. "It feels like yesterday I was here but it was six years ago. I played here for ten years."
Despite the emotional ties, Havertz is firmly focused on securing a victory for Arsenal. "I am here to win the match with Arsenal and fly back home with the victory. My family will be here; my son, my wife have come from England," he disclosed. The German international also acknowledged the threat posed by his former club, stating, "I know myself how tough Leverkusen are to beat. They are a very good team." Havertz outlined Arsenal's straightforward approach: "We think about the first leg, to win that game and then go again at the weekend. And then face them in the second leg. That's all that we're thinking about."
Contextualizing the Champions League Showdown
This match presents a classic contrast in form. Arsenal, riding a wave of success across all competitions, face a Bayer Leverkusen side that has struggled domestically, currently sitting sixth in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen's path to the last-16 involved finishing 16th in the Champions League league phase before a relatively straightforward play-off victory over Greek club Olympiakos.
Yet, Hjulmand's confidence stems from his team's ability to rise to the occasion against elite opposition. As the football world watches, this encounter promises to be a thrilling test of Arsenal's European credentials against a Leverkusen team eager to prove their mettle on the big stage. With both managers expressing respect and determination, the stage is set for a captivating Champions League battle that could define both clubs' seasons.
