“The Secret to Arsenal’s Defense is Two Things” – Liverpool Coach Arne Slot Reveals What Ancelotti Must Do to Beat Arsenal at the Bernabéu
Ahead of next week’s highly anticipated Champions League second leg between Real Madrid and Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu, Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot has weighed in with tactical insight—and a subtle warning for Carlo Ancelotti.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Slot, who has studied both Premier League and European opponents closely, gave his take on what Real Madrid must do if they hope to overturn the result from the first leg.
“The secret to Arsenal’s defense is two things,” Slot began. “First, their structured pressing system. Second, their discipline in the defensive transition. If Ancelotti can be able to break those two layers, then there’s a real possibility they’ll turn the result around.”
The Dutch tactician, known for his analytical approach and tactical depth, explained that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are not just solid at the back because of individual defenders like Saliba or Gabriel, but because of the coordinated team structure that cuts off passing lanes and forces teams into wide, low-threat areas.
Slot pointed out that Ancelotti’s solution lies in tempo and positioning. “Madrid have the weapons. But they must avoid getting trapped in Arsenal’s midfield press. If Carlo can get Kroos or Modrić to control the rhythm and stretch Arsenal’s block with wide switches or rotations, they’ll create the gaps they need. It’s a game of patience and precision.”
He also emphasized the importance of vertical threat, possibly hinting at how players like Jude Bellingham or Vinícius Júnior could exploit Arsenal’s high line with well-timed runs behind.
“Real Madrid are at home. The Bernabéu is a fortress when it believes. But tactically, they must be sharper than they were in London. You give Arsenal control for even 10 minutes, and it costs you.”
With the tie finely poised and both teams eyeing a place in the Champions League semi-finals, Slot’s words serve both as advice and as a tactical blueprint. Whether Ancelotti listens remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—next week’s clash at the Bernabéu will be a tactical chess match, with everything on the line.
