“They’ve Been Praying for This Moment” – Carlo Ancelotti Reveals the ONE Thing Arteta Must Fix to Win the Champions League
The Champions League is down to its final stages, and Arsenal’s dream of lifting the trophy for the first time in history feels more real than ever. But while belief is growing around the Emirates, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a mixture of praise and warning to Mikel Arteta and his team.
In a powerful pre-match press conference, the Italian tactician acknowledged Arsenal’s rise in Europe but made it clear: if they want to beat Europe’s elite like Barcelona and Inter Milan, Arteta must correct a crucial flaw in his system.
> “I know they’ve been praying, waiting for this perfect moment to come,” Ancelotti said. “And I truly believe they have everything it takes to lift the Champions League this year… but only if Arteta makes one key change.”
So what’s the issue?
According to Ancelotti, Arsenal’s lack of midfield control in high-pressure games could be their undoing.
> “They are brilliant in transitions, fast in attack, and solid at the back. But against teams like Inter or Barca — who will keep the ball and slow the tempo — Arsenal must improve their ability to dominate the midfield and control the rhythm,” he warned.
Ancelotti, who’s won the Champions League four times as a manager, emphasized that game management and midfield composure are often the difference at this stage of the tournament.
> “This isn’t about effort or talent — they have that. It’s about dictating the flow. That’s what decides semifinals and finals. Arteta must recognize that now.”
Despite the critique, Ancelotti expressed clear admiration for what Arteta has built at Arsenal and even went as far as to say:
> “If they fix that one thing, I assure you — they will lift the title this year.”
With Arsenal set to face their semi-final challenge head-on, Ancelotti’s comments feel less like criticism and more like a master’s warning — advice from someone who’s been there and done it on the biggest stage.
“We’re winning it this time around,” Ancelotti said with a smile, referring to the fierce competition. Whether it’s Madrid, Arsenal, or another giant who lifts the trophy — it’s clear the margins are razor-thin, and every tactical detail will matter.