While Carlo Ancelotti has received a lot of criticism in Spain for Real Madrid's versions of recent times, and in particular their defeat against Valencia this weekend, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reminded of his incredible history in the Champions League. Los Blancos will be confronted on Tuesday evening with Arsenal in the Emirates in the first stage of their quarter -final collision.
For the Gunners, Arteta noted that it was one of the largest occasions for them in some time, because it had not enjoyed much deep European runs in recent years.
“I am 100% sure that we can win. I would encourage people to come to the stadium, 60,000 people, and not to watch, but to play the game with us.
The most important question for Arsenal will be how they can set up their defense, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori excluded by injury. Jurrien Timber is also thought as doubt, which means that Arteta will be forced into a number of difficult choices.
“Yes, I decided. No, I'll not tell you,” said Arteta de Pers, agreeing that their set piece threat could be crucial against Los Blancos.
“Of course, yes, set pieces have resulted in 33% of our goals, they play a very important role for us. So yes, it will be very important.”
At Real Madrid, Arteta was clear that his side could also cause Carlo Ancelotti.
“With the individual quality they have, they are always a threat, especially in certain situations, but that is the stage where we are, it is not much bigger than this. That is why they have done what they have done so consistently at this level. They can hurt us a lot, but our qualities can harm their weak points, they do have them.”
On the manager himself, however, he had only praised.
“Ancelotti is a huge inspiration, he is the coach who has won the Champions League more than anyone else. He helps players to win games, and his calm nature helps his players a lot, and I think it's an example for many of his players. His human side is a big thing for players.”
Since Arsenal has not been contrary to the last phases of the Champions League in recent years, one of the topics of the press conference was the lack of experience for Arsenal. Something Arteta believed that last year could be seen against Bayern Munich, in their 3-2 total defeat.
“Especially in moments in the second stage, because there were times in the first stage, where he had to use those moments, and had to be relentless and then brought the game to bed. Then we gave them two goals.”
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