Henry Urges Arsenal to Believe They Can Beat Real Madrid — or Stay Home

Henry Arsenal Real Madrid advice: Gunners must believe they can win or risk defeat before kickoff, says club legend ahead of quarter-final clas

Thierry Henry advice Arsenal to embrace belief and mental strength ahead of their Champions League quarter-final showdown with Real Madrid.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has delivered a powerful message to his former club: if they don’t believe they can beat Real Madrid, they shouldn’t bother stepping onto the pitch. Speaking ahead of the Champions League quarter-final, Henry emphasized that confidence is the foundation of any upset.

Henry Recalls Arsenal’s Famous Win at the Bernabeu

Henry knows what belief can achieve. In 2006, he led Arsenal to a historic 1–0 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring a stunning solo goal. “If you go there thinking you can’t win, don’t go,” he said, referencing the mindset that helped Arsenal defy the odds nearly two decades ago.

Henry warned that even flawless execution might not be enough against a team like Real Madrid. “You need the perfect game from minute one,” he explained. He pointed to past examples where elite teams like Manchester City and Atletico Madrid played brilliantly but still fell short.

Underdogs Can Win — If They Truly Believe

Henry drew inspiration from football’s most improbable triumphs. He cited Greece’s Euro 2004 victory and Leicester City’s Premier League title in 2016 as proof that belief can conquer giants. “Just believe that you can,” he said. “That’s what I’m saying”.

Henry placed responsibility on manager Mikel Arteta to prepare the squad mentally and tactically. He stressed that Arteta must instill confidence and ensure the team is ready to deliver across both legs. Against Real Madrid, there’s no room for hesitation.

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