Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called Carlo Ancelotti an ‘inspiration’ to him in his press conference before Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Arteta was asked about his big Real Madrid test as well as facing Ancelotti in the dugout, to which he said: “He is an inspiration to me. He has been able to win everything in many countries while transmitting calm, and that’s very difficult in an environment where there is so much pressure.

“You only have to listen to players talk about him to understand his personality.”

Arteta talked about Real Madrid’s attack and how tough it can be to defend them.

He said: “With the individual quality they have, when you put them in a specific situation, you know the danger they have. They can create those moments. Obviously, it’s something we have to prevent, for sure.”

Arteta was also asked about their chances against Real Madrid, to which he said: “We have to be super convinced that we are ready to beat them. That’s the mindset that I want. It’s been 20 years since we had this kind of game, and it’s a great opportunity to build our own story.”

Real Madrid face Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday night, hoping to get a good result away from home before they welcome the Gunners to the Santiago Bernabeu next week.