Arteta Praises Simeone: He Can Succeed In The Premier League

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta has expressed his admiration for Atletico Madrid Manager Diego Simeone. In fact, the Arsenal manager believes the Argentine can be successful if he moves to the Premier League.

Arsenal will face Simeone's team at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, early morning WIB, in the 2025/2026 Champions League group phase.

It will be their first meeting since Arteta handled the Gunners in December 2019.

Simeone has been at Atletico Madrid for 14 years -- winning La Liga and Europa League twice of the eight trophies he has won -- but has repeatedly been linked with a move to the Premier League amid interest from various clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea.

When asked if the 56-year-old coach would shine in England's highest-level league, Arteta agreed.

"If he plays in the Champions League, which is the highest competition in Europe, he can do it anywhere."

"You have to come here and try it and feel it, but I'm very confident that his knowledge is extraordinary and his character and determination will take him anywhere, I think."

"We have quite a lot of super great managers here. So please, it's entirely up to him."

"If one day he wants to feel it, all I can say is from what I saw and after analyzing the team, how well they were trained," said Arteta.

Atletico Madrid's defensive style has drawn comparisons with Arsenal's backline toughness, having conceded just three goals in all competitions so far this season.

However, Arteta dismissed any comparison with Diego Simeone's troops.

"Obviously there is someone I admire and learn from in many situations. What for me is the spirit."

"I think, as long as he plays and is in the same club as the same players, you still have the ability to channel energy and determination to win."

"We live in a very difficult environment and to continue to convince the players, you have to play very well," said Arteta again.