Bayer Leverkusen Boss Kasper Hjulmand Labels Arsenal ‘Perhaps the Best Team in Europe’ Ahead of Champions League Clash

Bayer 04 Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand has described Arsenal FC as “perhaps the best team in Europe” ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League Round of 16 encounter.

The Premier League leaders travel to Germany on Wednesday evening for the first leg of their knockout tie against the Bundesliga side.

Arsenal have been in outstanding form this season under manager Mikel Arteta. The North London club currently sits seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and also dominated the Champions League league phase, finishing first after winning all eight of their matches.

Leverkusen, meanwhile, are currently sixth in the Bundesliga. The German side finished 16th in the Champions League league phase before progressing through the play-off round with a relatively comfortable victory over Olympiacos FC.

Arsenal Competing on Multiple Fronts

In addition to their domestic title challenge and Champions League campaign, Arsenal have also reached the final of the EFL Cup and secured a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, underlining the club’s strong form across all competitions this season.

Despite acknowledging the scale of the challenge ahead, Hjulmand insists his team are relishing the opportunity to face one of Europe’s most in-form sides.

“Arsenal are perhaps the best team in Europe at the moment,” Hjulmand said.

“They finished first in the Champions League league phase, winning all their matches, scoring the most goals and conceding the fewest.

“It is one of the most difficult challenges, but we are really looking forward to it. We want to enjoy big matches like this together with our supporters.

“We have already shown this season against major teams such as Manchester City FC, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig that we are capable of beating them. As we all know, anything is possible in football.

“You simply have to believe in it. That belief is extremely important. We will go into the game with confidence and give everything at home to secure a positive result for the second leg.”

Havertz Relishing Return to Former Club

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz will be returning to familiar surroundings, having started his professional career at Bayer Leverkusen. The German international spent a decade at the club before moving to England.

“It’s amazing to be back at Leverkusen. I’ve seen many familiar faces,” Havertz said.

“It feels like yesterday that I was here, but it was actually six years ago. I spent ten years at this club.

“I’m here to win the match with Arsenal and return home with the victory. My family will be here — my wife and son have travelled from England.

“I know from experience how difficult Leverkusen are to beat. They are a very good team.”

Havertz added that Arsenal’s focus remains firmly on the immediate challenge.

“We are thinking about the first leg, trying to win that game and then focusing on the weekend before the second leg. That’s all we are concentrating on.”

Arteta Urges Arsenal to Focus on the Present

Arsenal are widely regarded as one of the favourites to win the Champions League this season. However, Arteta has urged his players to remain focused on the present rather than looking too far ahead.

“I live in the present,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference.

“I prepare for what I expect and what I feel every day with optimism, giving everything I have and trying to inspire the players to feel the same way.

“This is football. There is still so much to do. We have achieved a lot already, but the most important part is coming now — and it starts tomorrow.”