Davide Ancelotti, Lille manager, spoke to Sky Sports the evening before the Champions League match against Arsenal, describing the Emirates pitch as "nice billiards". He underlined that, although the opponent has adopted different styles, Lille intends to maintain its identity and make the most of its strengths, even in a complex context.
In the French championship the club is achieving positive results and, according to Ancelotti, is consolidating the mutual knowledge of the players and its own identity. In the Champions League, after an initial defeat, the coach reiterated that the path is still long and that the main objective is to constantly improve.
Regarding Giroud's call-up, Ancelotti expressed confidence in his motivation and availability, both on the pitch and from the bench. He said the centre-forward will be particularly motivated to play against Arsenal, a club that has special meaning for him, and hoped the match would be a special occasion for both Giroud and his staff.
Arsenal, after their impressive victory against Real Madrid, gained confidence and presented themselves as an opponent to be taken seriously. Ancelotti praised the English club's project, defining it as an example of stability and coherence, but also reiterated that Lille will try to give their best to face the English coach.
Finally, the coach mentioned the positive relationship with the Brazilians Bruno Guimaraes and Gabriel, underlining the good experience shared during the short period of the World Cup.
Lille is therefore preparing for a match of great importance, with the aim of improving its performance in the Champions League and making the most of Giroud's talent against a high-level opponent.