Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone ahead of Arsenal’s huge Champions League clash on Tuesday night.
The Gunners sit top of the Premier League table after eight matches, having conceded just three goals in the process.
Attention now turns to Europe, as Arsenal host Atletico at the Emirates, looking to secure a third successive victory in the continental competition.
The Spanish giants currently sit fourth in La Liga, while they’ve won one of their opening two matches in the Champions League.
Arteta has revealed that he’s a huge admirer of Simeone, and wouldn’t be over the moon to have to face the Argentine in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta reveals his thoughts on Diego Simeone
Simeone has been Atletico Madrid’s manager since 2011.
Leading Spain’s underdog club to two league titles and two Champions League finals, the tactician has been incredibly successful competing against clubs with greater resources.
In fact, Atletico’s project arguably has parallels to Arteta’s at Arsenal. The Spaniard was asked about this in his press conference on Friday, and he admitted that there are similarities, before lauding Simeone for his work.
“My view is the admiration and the level of consistency and the results,” Arteta said.
“Both are such large clubs who have experienced a lot of difficulty. Have a good team around you. It’s important to have this mentality.
“He [Simeone] is someone I look up to and learn from. What is outstanding is his passion. It’s going to get tougher [if he joins the Premier League], we have enough and some very good managers here!
“At the highest level, I think what he’s achieved at Atletico has been outstanding. I think they are very clear to identify.”
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