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Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti sympathises with under-fire Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and vows to play best side in Champions League tie

Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti led the defence of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as he faces loudening calls to leave his position with the north London club.

Questions over the Frenchman's future intensified after Ancelotti's side hammered Arsenal by five goals to one in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie three weeks ago.

That embarrassing result not only effectively ruled the second leg as dead rubber, but was preceded by Premier League defeats to Watford and Chelsea, which ended any realistic hope of a title challenge.

Carlo Ancelotti discusses tactics with Bayern Munich stars ahead of training in north London
Carlo Ancelotti discusses tactics with Bayern Munich stars ahead of training in north London
Bayern Munich train under the floodlights at the Emirates Stadium as Ancelotti watches on
Bayern Munich train under the floodlights at the Emirates Stadium as Ancelotti watches on
Xabi Alonso and Thiago Alcantara go through jogging exercises in Bayern Munich training
Xabi Alonso and Thiago Alcantara go through jogging exercises in Bayern Munich training
Bayern Munich head coach Ancelotti with assistant coach Davide Ancelotti during training
Bayern Munich head coach Ancelotti with assistant coach Davide Ancelotti during training

With his contract up in the summer, a growing faction of Arsenal fans have called for Wenger to turn down an extension and depart, but Ancelotti has backed his counterpart to turn the situation around.