Bayern's Serge Gnabry makes 'hot' Aston Villa point and lifts lid on failed West Brom loan move
Serge Gnabry spoke to the media at Villa Park on Tuesday night ahead of Bayern Munich's Champions League clash with Aston Villa
Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry is expecting a "hot game" against Aston Villa on Wednesday night, knowing it's the club's first home match in Europe's elite club competition in over 40 years.
Unai Emery's side enjoyed a sensational campaign last term and managed to pip Tottenham to fourth spot, a year after Villa returned to Europe via a seventh-placed finish. Having beaten BSC Young Boys 3-0 in Bern last month, Villa are now gearing up for their first Champions League league phase game under the lights at Villa Park.
"Aston Villa has been very consistent in the last years under Unai Emery," Gnabry said. "They are physically strong like many teams in England. That’s why I think it will be a very difficult match. We will have to defend a lot. It won’t be easy tomorrow."
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Asked about the atmosphere he is expecting, Gnabry replied: "It is differently special, it is an incredible atmosphere in the old grounds and the people here in this country think football is the most important thing in their lives. It is the first Champions League game at home for Villa in many years. I’m sure it will be a hot game."
Back in 2015, Gnabry signed for West Brom on loan for the season, but his time there was cut short after just one appearance for the Baggies. Manager Tony Pulis claimed that Gnabry was "not at the required level" to play for West Brom at the time.
"I think for sure as I was a young kid at Arsenal and I came here [West Midlands] and didn’t have much game time," Gnabry reflected. "At the end of the day, I met great people at West Brom and had a good time still. I was very motivated after that to show what I’m capable of.
"I was just unhappy that I didn’t get to play and show what Im capable of. I worked very hard to stay fit and to show that I was hungry. I’ve learned to be consistent and go through that time and every phase helps you if you take it in the right way."