Atletico Madrid have reportedly lodged an official complaint with UEFA regarding Arsenal ahead of their Champions League visit to the Emirates. The Gunners hope to maintain their perfect record in Europe this season with wins against Athletic Club and Olympiakos. They will host Diego Simeone’s side in north London in what will be their biggest test yet.
As is tradition, the La Liga side trained on the Emirates pitch on Monday to get used to the conditions. However, there was no hot water in the showers in the dressing room, leaving the players dissatisfied as they had to go to the team hotel.
Spanish outlet Cadena SER claimed that a formal complaint had been lodged with UEFA and that the first report of the issue was made at 5:30pm, when Atlético first arrived at the stadium.
Marca newspaper reported that Atlético were “outraged, surprised and confused” by the lack of basic facilities in a modern stadium like the Emirates.
The players, who had trained in the rain, ended their session 15 minutes early and hurried to take a shower at their hotel, realizing the problem had not been resolved.
The Athletic reported that Arsenal apologized to Atlético, claiming there was a genuine problem at the stadium that was quickly resolved.
UEFA regulations require hot showers to be installed in match changing rooms, but only when hosting competitive matches rather than training sessions.
Mikel Arteta praised Simeone ahead of the match, admitting he is someone the Argentine respects.
“Well, obviously[Simeone]is someone I respect and learn from in many situations. What stands out for me is his passion,” Arteta said.
“I think about how long he’s been playing at the same club, with the same players, and how he still has that handle and ability to convey that energy and that desire to win.
“The environment we live in is very tough and we need to perform exceptionally well to continue to persuade the players.
“I don’t know him personally, but everything I’ve heard about him is that he’s very good at doing it. That’s one of the reasons you can maintain that level.
“I think what he has done since coming to Atlético has been amazing, not only in what he has achieved, but also in the way he has done it.
“I think the identity he has created for the club, the team and the spirit is very simple and clearly discernible, because the manager is exactly who they are.”
“It’s very difficult to accomplish that in a short period of time, and it’s very difficult to do it for 14 years. I think he’s still there and has accomplished some incredible things. It’s an honor to have met him.”
