“I Know the Tactics to Use to Win This People – If Ancelotti Wants to Beat Them at the Bernabéu, He Must Do These Two Things”: Arne Slot Reveals How Real Madrid Can Eliminate Arsenal
Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, may not be directly involved in the Champions League quarterfinal clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal, but that hasn’t stopped him from offering tactical insight. Speaking during a recent press conference, Slot made headlines with a bold claim about what Carlo Ancelotti must do if he wants to eliminate Arsenal and lead Real Madrid to the semifinals.
> “I know the tactics to use to win this people,” Slot stated confidently. “If Ancelotti wants to beat them at the Bernabéu, he must do these two things.”
1. Disrupt Arsenal’s Rhythm in Midfield
Slot emphasized that Arsenal’s greatest strength lies in their ability to control the tempo of the game through their midfield trio.
> “Players like Ødegaard, Rice, and Jorginho can kill you if you allow them to dictate the rhythm,” he explained. “You have to press them aggressively, but smartly — especially Ødegaard. Don’t give him the time to turn and make that final pass.”
According to Slot, Real Madrid must deploy a high-intensity press in moments, but also be tactically disciplined to avoid being opened up in transition.
2. Exploit the Space Behind Arsenal’s Fullbacks
Slot’s second point was a tactical vulnerability he believes Arsenal often expose.
> “Arsenal’s fullbacks push very high — too high sometimes. If you’re quick and precise in transition, there’s space behind them,” he said. “Vinícius Jr. is the perfect player for that. If Ancelotti gets the timing right, that’s where the damage will come from.”
He noted that Arsenal can look solid structurally, but when they’re forced to recover quickly, their backline often gets stretched.
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Arne Slot’s tactical suggestions come just days before the all-important second leg between Real Madrid and Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the tie finely balanced after the first leg.
While Slot’s comments may raise eyebrows, there’s no denying that his tactical awareness is rooted in experience — having faced Mikel Arteta’s system during his time managing Feyenoord in European competitions.
Whether Ancelotti takes note or not, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on the Bernabéu as two footballing giants battle for a place in the Champions League semifinals.