Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich has expressed that Paris Saint-Germain poses the biggest challenge of the season, despite Bayern’s recent 3-1 loss to Arsenal. Kimmich noted that Mikel Arteta’s squad “relies heavily on set pieces” and prefers to “play long balls.”
Bayern faced their first defeat of the season on Wednesday, with goals from Jurriën Timber, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli at the Emirates Stadium.
Although Vincent Kompany’s team managed to defeat the reigning champions PSG 2-1 earlier this month, Kimmich believes that PSG presented more of an offensive threat and facilitated “more of a football game.”
In an interview with TNT Sport, Kimmich remarked, “No, I don’t think so,” when asked if Arsenal was the toughest opponent Bayern faced this year. “I believe PSG was the hardest. Especially considering their playing style.”
“Arsenal is a completely different case. They focus on set pieces, enjoy playing long balls, and fight for second balls. The game against PSG was much more about football.”
“Today was less about football and more about managing the game and individual duels. Arsenal executed this well, and their victory was justified. However, we must learn from this experience.”
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Timber’s goal on Wednesday originated from a corner taken by Bukayo Saka, while Martinelli’s third came from a swift counterattack involving a long ball.
Kimmich’s remarks follow Arteta’s assertion that Arsenal triumphed over the “best side in Europe,” Bayern Munich.