Mikel Arteta is relishing the chance to pit his wits against Diego Simeone when Arsenal meet Atletico Madrid but admits he has had to learn to control his temper like his opposite number
Mikel Arteta insists he has had to learn to control his temper to stop himself getting into more trouble like Diego Simeone.
Atletico Madrid boss Simeone returns to the dugout at the Emirates on Tuesday night after serving a one-match ban for a bust-up with fans during his team’s defeat at Liverpool in September. Arteta says he is full of admiration for Simeone and can understand why his rival boss lost his temper at Anfield as he admitted he has made mistakes in the past having served a touchline ban in each of the last two seasons.
The Gunners boss said: “It is because you are defending your club, your players and you know that the small details can define at the end whether you win a match or not.
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“We are there living it with high emotions and it is difficult to control. We get really emotional and we start to run with our players and celebrating goals.
“It is something natural and it has to be understood in a respectful way. From my experience over the years, I try to be a little bit calm but there are moments when it is not easy.
“If you react in a way which is not good we have a responsibility to be an example. I have done it. I have made mistakes. But I try to learn and try not to do them again.
“Simeone is someone that I look up to and learn from him in many situations and what is for me outstanding is his passion.”
Arsenal are not laying on extra security for Simeone or the Atletico bench despite what happened at Anfield when the fiery Argentinian got involved in a war of words with Liverpool fans.
UEFA gave Simeone a one-match touchline ban but he returns to lead Atletico at the Emirates and Arteta pointed to the importance of his team’s defensive record as a key to success in the Premier League and Champions League.
They have conceded just three goals in eight games in the league, they have yet to concede in Europe and clearly have records in their sights such as Chelsea ’s record of only conceding 15 goals when they won the title under Jose Mourinho run 2004/05.
Arteta added: “Collectively we acknowledge the importance of that, we feel it. We know that if we excel that part of the game, the chances and the probabilities to win more matches is going to be very, very high for us and I try to implement it and be consistent.
“In modern football now, with the margins and the results you see, is one goal most of the time, a lot of the time. And that defines if you win or not so you have be happy and comfortable with wins and losses of small margins and find ways to win.”
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