Ancelotti: Arsenal ‘an example’ for two reasons, Gunners duo ‘key’ for Brazil

Lille coach Davide Ancelotti prepares to face Arsenal at the Emirates in the Champions League Round 2: ‘It’s a project that should be an example of stability and consistency.’

Ancelotti’s Lille sit second in the Ligue 1 standings with 13 points, but lost their opening Champions League match against Betis in September.

Tomorrow, they visit Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 30:Davide Ancelotti, head coach of Botafogo gestures during a Brasileirao 2025 match between Corinthians and Botafogo at Neo Quimica Arena on November 30, 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)

“Everyone has played Arsenal differently, each trying to stay true to their own identity,” Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia.

“We have ours too, and we’ll do our best, knowing we’re facing a very difficult team in a challenging environment.”

Olivier Giroud is available for Lille and might play against his club Arsenal for the last time, having announced his retirement at the end of the season.

“He’s always highly motivated and ready to help, whether he starts the game or comes off the bench,” Ancelotti said.

AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud reacts during the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Empoli at San Siro stadium in Milan, on March 10, 2024. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

“I know this is a special match for him, against a club he cares deeply about. Hopefully, it will be a great night for both him and me.”

Back in 2024-25, Arsenal qualified for the Champions League semis by beating Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. Davide was Carlo’s assistant back then.

“Arsenal were already improving significantly,” Davide Ancelotti noted.

“That excellent tie against Real Madrid gave them a lot of confidence and helped lay the foundations for what they achieved last season by reaching the final.

“This year, their aim will surely be to go even further. It’s a project that should be an example of stability and consistency. Credit to them, but today we’re here as opponents, and we’ll do our very best.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Assane Diao of Como 1907 is put under pressure by Bruno Guimaraes of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Como Calcio at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Davide also served as his father’s assistant with the Brazil national team during the 2026 World Cup and has built a strong relationship with Arsenal duo Bruno Guimaraes and Gabriel.

“We shared a wonderful experience and built a great relationship in a short time, because the World Cup goes by very quickly,” Ancelotti concluded.

“They are key players in the national team’s project, young talents who will become future points of reference. I have a great deal of affection and respect for them.”