Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone previewed his side’s upcoming clash with Arsenal at the Emirates.
The Champions League is back, as Arsenal welcome Atletico to North London for the first time since 2018.
It was only last month that Simeone’s side were in England, as Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid in the last minute at Anfield.
The Spaniards will be desperate to make amends when they visit the capital, in what is set to be a blockbuster in N5 between two managers with a lot of respect for one another.
- READ MORE: Spanish media put five Arsenal players under the spotlight ahead of Atletico Madrid showdown
Diego Simeone issues advice for Mikel Arteta
Before the contest, Mikel Arteta praised Simeone very highly in his pre-match press conference.
The Argentine did the same when he faced the media, answering a question that pondered what advice the Atletico manager has for the Arsenal boss.
Having been at the helm in Madrid since 2011, Simeone knows what it takes to lead a team through the twists and turns modern-day football can exhibit, revealing his advice for Arteta.
Simeone responded to the question simply, “What he’s [Arteta] done since he arrived,” he said.
“Maintain the identity he’s had from the very beginning,” Simeone doubled down, applauding the work Arteta has put in to truly put his stamp on the current Arsenal squad.
Arteta will be desperate to showcase his tactical nous against one of the best in the game, with all eyes on what Tuesday night’s contest presents.
Simeone’s record against English clubs
Amid a busy run of fixtures, Arteta is likely to rotate the Arsenal XI against Atletico, particularly with a tough clash against Crystal Palace fast approaching.
The Spaniard won’t want to over-rotate, however, as Atletico are a top-quality opponent and Simeone is a manager with huge experience against English clubs.
| Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals for | Goals against |
| Chelsea | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Arsenal | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Liverpool | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| Manchester Utd | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Manchester City | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 12 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 13 | 9 |
During his tenure as Atletico manager, Simeone has faced English clubs 12 times competitively, sporting a defeat rate of just 16%.
It’s a remarkable record to hold, particularly when noting that his sides have only leaked nine goals in that time.
Arsenal will certainly hope to shake things up when the Spanish giants visit North London, with a huge three points on the line in the league phase.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
