“Beating Arsenal Is Easy—If Ancelotti Follows These Two Rules,” Pep Guardiola Shares His Strategy
Ahead of the much-anticipated Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal, Pep Guardiola has stirred the pot with a bold claim about how to defeat Mikel Arteta’s team. Speaking at a recent press conference, the Manchester City manager gave a rare and somewhat cheeky insight into what he believes is the formula to take down the Gunners.
“Beating Arsenal isn’t a big deal… as long as Ancelotti follows these two instructions,” Guardiola said with a sly grin, grabbing the attention of everyone present.
Here’s what the City boss laid out:
1. Target Arsenal’s Double Pivot Midfield
Guardiola pointed to Arsenal’s reliance on their midfield duo — Declan Rice and Jorginho — as a tactical pressure point.
“Give Jorginho time, and he’ll control everything. Give Rice space, and he’ll dominate you physically,” he warned.
“Real Madrid have to be relentless. Press them, deny the middle, and force play wide.”
He suggested that Madrid’s midfielders like Valverde, Camavinga, and Bellingham need to stay aggressive and cut off Arsenal’s rhythm early.
2. Attack the Space Behind Zinchenko and White
Pep also highlighted Arsenal’s vulnerability when their fullbacks push high up the pitch.
“Zinchenko tucks into midfield, and that leaves space wide. If Madrid transitions quickly — with Vinicius or Rodrygo — they can punish that.”
He noted that Arsenal’s adventurous fullbacks often leave their defense exposed, something Madrid’s pace and counter-attacking style can exploit.
Final Words From Pep
Guardiola wrapped up with a cryptic yet confident statement:
“Ancelotti has everything he needs. If he applies these two ideas, Arsenal won’t stand a chance at the Bernabéu.”
Whether it was genuine tactical advice or just mind games remains to be seen — but it’s certainly added more fuel to the fire ahead of a blockbuster European encounter.
