Ancelotti Prepares Lille For Arsenal Champions League Clash

Lille coach Davide Ancelotti discussed his team's Champions League meeting with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on October 13, 2026, explaining the challenge, Olivier Giroud's return, and the club's European objectives before the match.

According to Sky Sport, Lille entered the game after a Champions League defeat to Betis but had improving domestic results. Arsenal prepared without Piero Hincapié and Martin Zubimendi after injuries.

Davide Ancelotti said Lille would rely on its own approach while facing Arsenal's quality.

"This field is a beautiful billiard table, it is not bad. Against Arsenal everyone has played differently, each team tries not to lose its identity: we have ours, we will try to use our weapons in the best way possible, in a complicated scenario," said Davide Ancelotti, Lille coach.

The Lille manager described the team's adaptation process in France and its continued work in the Champions League after the opening loss.

"In the league the results are coming, we are in a process of getting to know each other and our identity: we are succeeding. In the Champions League unfortunately we started with a defeat but the journey is still long, the objective is to compete as well as possible," said Davide Ancelotti, Lille coach.

Giroud's return to Arsenal was a major storyline before the match, with Ancelotti highlighting the striker's motivation regardless of his role.

"He is always super motivated and ready to help, whether from the start or from the bench. I know it will be a special match for him, against a club he cares about: we hope it will be a great night for him, but also for me," said Davide Ancelotti, Lille coach.

Ancelotti also praised Arsenal's recent development and recalled their European progress after a strong performance against Real Madrid.

"It was an Arsenal already growing, having made such a good round against Real Madrid gave them confidence to reach the final. They have every possible quality, their project is an example to follow for stability and consistency. Compliments to them, but they will be opponents and we will try to do our best," said Davide Ancelotti, Lille coach.

The Lille coach also mentioned his relationship with Arsenal players Bruno Guimaraes and Gabriel after their shared experience during the World Cup.

"We lived a beautiful experience together, creating a relationship in a period that was still short like the World Cup. There is great affection," said Davide Ancelotti, Lille coach.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced selection issues after injuries affected his plans for rotation before the match against Lille.

"It is certainly not ideal, losing players like that. But the only way to be sure you do not suffer injuries is not to train. And if you do not train you do not have match rhythm. What can I do?" said Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager.

Arteta also addressed competition for places in his squad as Arsenal managed limited availability ahead of the Champions League fixture.

"Like everyone else, you have to earn the right to play in a match during training. Anyone who is not happy is free to come and talk to me whenever they want," said Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager.