Arteta makes ‘big’ Ancelotti admission ahead of Arsenal vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta admits Carlo Ancelotti is a ‘huge’ inspiration to him: ‘His tranquility, his human side is a big thing for the players.’

Arteta’s Arsenal host Ancelotti’s Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.

During a pre-match press conference on Monday, the Spanish tactician answered a question about his Italian counterpart, admitting his admiration for the serial Champions League winner.

MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 12: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio Metropolitano on March 12, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Carlo is a huge inspiration, history. He has done more than anyone else in the Champions League,” Arteta said via Football London.

“He can help players win games. His tranquility and human side are big things for the players.”

Ancelotti has won the Champions League five times as a coach, twice at Milan and three times in Madrid.

Arsenal will be without Italy international Riccardo Calafiori in tomorrow’s game against Real Madrid. The ex-Bologna defender is continuing his recovery from an injury he sustained with the Azzurri during the latest international break.