Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Diego Simeone ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, describing the Argentine’s 14-year reign in the Spanish capital as “incredible.”
The Gunners, who have made a perfect start in the league phase with victories over Athletic Club and Olympiacos, will welcome the three-time Champions League runners-up to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated fixture, Arteta was full of admiration for the work Simeone has done at Atletico, highlighting both his success and the unique identity he has instilled in the club.
“I think what he’s done since he got to Atletico has been outstanding, not only what he has achieved but the way he’s done it,” Arteta said. “I think the identity that he has created for the club, for the team, the spirit, I think they are very simple and clear to identify, and that’s because the manager is very much them.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer believes Arsenal overpaid for one player last summer
“And that’s extremely difficult to achieve for a short period of time, let alone for 14 years. I think he’s been there now, he’s done something incredible. So yeah, a pleasure to meet him.”
Atletico Madrid currently sit fourth in La Liga and have taken three points from their opening two Champions League games. Arteta, however, believes that Simeone’s side remains one of the toughest opponents in Europe due to their mentality, structure, and adaptability.
Diego Simeone
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone (Image credit: Getty Images)
“First of all, the willingness to win,” he explained. “You can sense that in every single ball, in every single yard, the way they play. It’s about how they compete, and then how they play. I think those are two very different things.
“The level of organisation is really high, the level of discipline is really high, and they have acquired a lot of talent over the years that fits exactly with how they want to play. They’re very, very good at exploiting those opportunities.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“They have evolved as well as a team from where they were probably a year ago to now, and how they can change in relation to the context of the match, which is something very specific for this team.”
As for Arsenal’s preparation, Arteta emphasised the importance of striking the right balance between detailed planning and simplicity in execution.
“In order to prepare in the best way, you want to give the players everything,” he said. “But you also have to simplify the information and make it as concrete and clear as possible so we can be in the best position to implement what we want to do tomorrow.”
With both sides in strong form, Tuesday night’s clash promises to be a tactical battle between two managers renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and unrelenting drive for perfection.
NEXT ARTICLE: Diego Simeone handed major boost as injured Atletico star cleared to face Arsenal