Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he feels a degree of sympathy for Arsene Wenger as the Arsenal boss continues to face a barrage of questions regarding his future at the club.
Speculation that the Frenchman may finally leave the Gunners this summer has intensified greatly in recent weeks following a run of poor form that has seen them slip out of the Premier League title race, while leaving there Champions League dreams hanging by a thread following a 5-1 defeat to Munich in the last-16 first-leglast month.
However, Ancelotti - the man who masterminded that crushing defeat for Wenger in the Allianz Arena - admits he can't help but feel sympathetic towards him.
Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti expresses sympathy for Arsene Wenger ahead of Champions League clash https://t.co/Gea493IfzS pic.twitter.com/cBAbEEUEMj
"Wenger is a manager with experience. I'm sure he will be able to manage the situation," the former Chelsea boss saidahead of his side's visit to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night for the return leg.
"It is a situation that can happen to any manager. It is normal. I sympathise with him as a manager and a man."
Despite enjoying a comfortable 5-1 lead from the first-leg, Ancelotti and Bayern certainly aren't taking Tuesday's clash for granted as the Italian confirmed he would play his best team to ensure their safe passage through to the quarter-finals.
That was a sentiment echoed by experienced French winger Franck Ribery, who believes it is still a dangerous game for the Bundesliga champions.
"Arsene Wenger has a lot of experience, we have to be careful, it's a dangerous game for us," Ribery said.
"It's a tough situation for Arsene Wenger, but you must not forget what he's done here, he's a great coach."
Wenger on Sanchez bust-up stories: "Completely false - you have to fill the newspapers" pic.twitter.com/AitCHjHVvA