Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken with admiration and respect for Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone ahead of their upcoming European encounter, calling the Argentine one of football’s most remarkable figures for his longevity and impact at the Spanish club.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Arteta reflected on Simeone’s influence at Atletico, highlighting his enduring ability to define and maintain a clear footballing identity over more than a decade.
“Well, at the highest level, I mean 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,” said Arteta. “I think the identity that he has created to the club, to the team, the spirit, I think they are very simple and clear to identify and that’s because the manager is very much them. And that’s extremely difficult to achieve for a short period of time and to do it for 14 years, I think he’s been there now, he’s done something incredible so yeah, a pleasure to meet him.”
Simeone, who took charge of Atletico Madrid in 2011, has transformed the club into one of Europe’s most competitive sides, leading them to two La Liga titles, two Europa League triumphs, and multiple Champions League finals. His leadership style, characterised by intensity, discipline, and collective spirit, has earned him widespread respect across the footballing world — something Arteta clearly shares.
The Arsenal boss admitted that Simeone’s sustained success at one club serves as an inspiration to him, particularly in maintaining motivation and connection with players over such an extended period.
“Well obviously there is someone that I look up to and learn from in many situations and what is for me outstanding is his passion,” Arteta continued. “I think for how long he’s been in the game and in the same club, with the same players, how you still have that handle and that capacity to transmit such an energy and willingness to win, and it’s a very tough environment that we live in, and to keep convincing players you have to be extraordinarily well. I don’t know him personally but everything that I heard about him is that he’s so good at doing that, that’s one of the reasons why you are able to sustain at that level.”
Arteta’s admiration also extended to Simeone’s unique ability to continually refresh his message to players despite football’s ever-changing demands — a trait few managers have managed to master over time.
When asked whether he would like to see Simeone test himself in the Premier League, Arteta gave a diplomatic but thoughtful answer, acknowledging the league’s competitiveness and quality of coaches already in place.
“It’s going to get tougher, we have enough super good managers here so I don’t know, that will be completely up to him,” Arteta said. “If one day he wants to experience that, what I can say is that from what I’ve seen and after analysing the team, how well they are coached.”
The upcoming clash between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid is expected to be a tactical spectacle — a meeting between two distinct managerial philosophies united by intensity and structure. For Arteta, it’s not just another match; it’s a chance to go up against a manager he deeply respects and perhaps emulate in terms of consistency and character.