Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta sang the praises of Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone ahead of their Champions League clash, tagging him as a reference of his. 

The Gunners host Simeone's side at the Emirates Stadium in Matchweek Three of the Champions League group stages. The game has been billed as one to watch, with two of the most pragmatic managers going up against each other. 

Despite his La Masia upbringing and his stint under Arsène Wenger, Arteta is largely a pragmatic manager, insisting on defensive solidity. 

Hence, comparisons have been made with Simeone, who has been one of the leading managers of the ‘safety-first’ brand of football for about a decade and a half. Ahead of the match, Arteta admitted to having picked up things from Simeone, lauding his passion, work ethic and consistency, among other attributes. 

“Diego Simeone is someone I admire and learn from in many situations,” he said, per GFNS. “What stands out most to me is his passion. 

“Considering how long he’s been in football, at the same club, with many of the same players, and how he still maintains that dominance and that ability to transmit so much energy and hunger to win, that’s remarkable. 

“We live in a very demanding environment, and to keep convincing players, you have to be extraordinary. I don’t know him personally, but everything I’ve heard about him is that he’s excellent at that. That’s one of the reasons he’s been able to stay at that level.”

Arteta also discussed the possibility of Simeone one day coaching in the Premier League, and he admitted that the Argentine would make his job as the Arsenal manager more difficult. 

“Simeone being in the Premier League would make things more difficult; we already have enough excellent coaches here. It would depend entirely on him if one day he wants to experience that. What I can say is that from what I’ve seen, and after analysing his team, they’re very well coached.”

“My perception of him is one of admiration because the level of consistency, work ethic, identity, and what he transmits is incredibly difficult to achieve. He’s very good, surrounded by great people, and he’s instilled that mentality that has lasted so long.”