Davide Ancelotti says Arsenal are “one of the best teams in the world” after his Lille side were beaten on Tuesday night.
Reflecting on the 3-0 defeat, Ancelotti - son of Carlo - said the scoreline ultimately flattered the hosts but admitted his side just couldn’t cope after the hour mark.
"In terms of what my players gave, I have no regrets,” he told UEFA. “We need to analyse the fact we conceded three goals in five minutes but, in terms of the game plan, we wanted to stay in the match for as long as possible.
“The result is harsh on us; we battled hard. I don't think the players deserve this scoreline.
"With the players they have on the bench, they can change the rhythm of the game. That's what they did tonight. We have to keep the good things we did for 60 minutes.
Plenty to learn: Davide Ancelotti
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"They have to take the good things they've done - how they competed face to face with one of the best teams in the world - and they will take a lot of learning tonight as well.
“They will be better. That's why I'm here: to make my players improve while I'm at the club."