Mikel Arteta is relishing the chance to check wits with Diego Simeone in Arsenal’s clash with Atletico Madrid, but admits he has had to learn how to control his emotions, just like his opponent’s jersey number.
Mikel Arteta insists he has had to learn how to control his anger to avoid getting into further trouble like Diego Simeone.
Atletico Madrid manager Simeone returned to the Emirates dugout on Tuesday night after serving a one-match ban for a disturbance with a fan during his team’s defeat to Liverpool in September.
Arteta was full of praise for Simeone and said he could understand why his rival manager was furious at Anfield after he admitted he had made mistakes in the past, having been banned from touching the line in each of the past two seasons.
The Gunners manager said: “It’s because you’re protecting your club, your players, and you know that the little details will decide whether you win the game or not in the end.
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“We live with high emotions there and it’s hard to control it. We get really emotional and start running with the players and celebrating goals.
“It’s natural, so you have to respect it and understand it. From years of experience, I try to be a little calm, but there are moments when it’s not easy.
“If you react poorly, we have a responsibility to set an example. I’ve done it. I’ve made mistakes, but I’m trying to learn and trying not to repeat it.”
“Simeone is someone I respect and learn from on many occasions, and what stands out for me is his passion.”
Despite the hot-blooded Argentine getting into a verbal spat with Liverpool fans at Anfield, Arsenal have no special security for Simeone or the Atletico bench.
UEFA handed Simeone a one-match touchline ban, but he returned to manage Atletico at the Emirates, with Arteta pointing to the importance of the team’s defensive performance as key to success in the Premier League and Champions League.
They have conceded just three goals in eight league games, are yet to concede in Europe and clearly have their sights set on records like Chelsea’s record of conceding just 15 goals in 2004-05 when they won the title under Jose Mourinho.
Arteta added: “As a group we know and feel the importance of that. We know that if we’re good in that part of the game we have a much better chance and probability of winning more games, so we’re trying to do that and be consistent.”
“In modern football now there are visible differences and consequences, and in most cases, one goal often decides whether you win or not. So you can be happy and comfortable with winning or losing by a small margin and find a way to win.”
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