Arsenal V Atletico Madrid: Mikel Arteta says he is watching Diego Simeone

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta says he is “watching” Atletico Madrid Boss Simeone – and he believes the Argentine can be successful if he wants to work in England.

Simeone has been in charge of the La Liga side since December 2011, meaning he has been in charge of the Spanish Club for almost 14 years.

That is a longer reign than any current premier league boss.

Arteta is the second-born to serve in the English Top Flight, having joined Arsenal in December 2019.

That puts him just behind Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, who moved to the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2016.

The gunner boss was asked if Simeone’s time in charge was an inspiration to him.

“Well, obviously there is someone I look up to and learn from him in many situations and what for me is unique is his passion,” Arteta said of the previous game.

“I was wondering when he was in the game and at the same club with the same players, how you still have that hand and that capacity to send that kind of energy…

“It is a very difficult environment that we live in and will continue to convince players that you need to be exceptional.

“I don’t know (him) personally but everything I’ve heard about him is that he’s very good at doing that. That’s one of the reasons why you’re able to continue at that level.”

Arteta rates Simeone’s Goons as “extraordinary” and says he will have the qualities needed to be a hit in the Premier League.

“If he works in the Champions league, which is the highest competition in Europe, he can do it anywhere,” the Arsenal boss said.

“You have to come here and try it and feel it, but I’m sure what he knows – how incredible, and his attitude and willingness will take him everywhere.”

The Atletico Head Coach has won two La Liga titles, two European leagues, one Copa del Rey and two UEFA Super Cups, while also reaching two champions league finals.

Atletico are known for their tough opponents and Arteta highlighted the Spanish team’s strong defence.

“First of all the willingness to win, you can understand that in every ball, in every single field, the way of playing.” Arteta said.

“So it’s how they compete and then how they play.

“The level of organization is very high, the level of discipline is very high, and then they have acquired a lot of talent over the years and the way they want to take advantage of the opportunities.”

Arsenal won their opening two Champions league games without conceding a single goal.

Atletico were beaten 3-2 by Liverpool but responded with a 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.