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“Madrid will beat Arsenal but only if Ancellotti avoid this particular mistake…We always avoid it against them and that’s why we humiliated them that year”: Man city coach Pep Guardiola names ONE mistake Ancellotti must avoid against Arsenal if he really want to beat them


“On the condition that Ancelotti stays clear of this specific error, Madrid will defeat Arsenal.” Pep Guardiola Issues a Warning Before the UCL Match



Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken his opinions about the highly anticipated Champions League match between Real Madrid and Arsenal in a heated pregame press conference that is already rocking the football world, and he didn’t hold back.


Guardiola was quick to support the Spanish powerhouses when asked about Madrid’s chances, but he issued one important caution.



> “Only if Ancelotti stays clear of this specific error will Madrid defeat Arsenal.” In reference to City’s 4-1 aggregate thumping of Arsenal in the 2022–2023 Premier League title race, Pep stated, “We always avoid it against them and that’s why we humiliated them that year.”


The Error? Taking Too Long for Arsenal to Construct



Guardiola emphasised that giving Mikel Arteta’s team too much time and space during the build-up phase is the biggest mistake teams make against them.


> “Arsenal cannot settle on the ball.” That is the error. They have complete control once they begin to play their passes and Zinchenko or Rice enter the midfield, Guardiola cautioned.

The City coach claims that strong pressing and breaking Arsenal’s rhythm early on are the keys to defeating them. This strategy has proven to be very effective for City in previous meetings.

“By pressing their midfielders, we ended the game in the first 20 minutes. Ancelotti needs to follow suit.

Pep emphasised that Real Madrid can annihilate Arsenal with their firepower and brilliant midfield, but only if they apply pressure when it’s appropriate and don’t play it passively.

> “Ancelotti is a genius, you see. However, it could be risky if he attempts to be overly cautious, as he occasionally does in important games. Arsenal has changed; they no longer overlook errors.

Does Madrid’s Past With Arsenal Give It a Psychological Advantage?

Guardiola implied that Madrid has the advantage because of their European experience, even though the two teams haven’t played frequently in recent Champions League history—as long as they stay intense.

> “The big stage doesn’t scare Madrid.” However, you cannot play Arsenal the way you would a La Liga squad. This is a Premier League side designed for Champions League fights.”

The Implications for Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti received a very clear instruction from Guardiola: don’t let Arsenal play their game. Press high, win the ball early, and never allow them settle into their tempo. It’s a high-risk, high-reward approach — but one that might decide who moves on in Europe’s most renowned championship.

As the battle draws near, all eyes will now be on Ancelotti. Will he adopt an aggressive stance, as advised by Guardiola? Will he risk slipping into the trap Pep just warned him about, or will he continue to adopt the cool, collected approach that has helped him succeed?

There is no doubt that the match between Real Madrid and Arsenal has become much more intense.



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