Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone sees similarities between Arsenal and his side in their effectiveness at set pieces as the two sides prepare to meet at the Emirates in the Champions League
Diego Simeone has promised to inflict “damage” on Arsenal’s Champions League campaign.
Atletico Madrid boss Simeone was full of praise for the job Mikel Arteta has done at the Emirates but says he is looking for ways to get a victory. Simeone said; “They’ve been with Arteta for five or six years, with a clear identity that they won’t compromise on.
“On the contrary, they’re improving it, bringing in great players for the positions where they believe they can continue to grow with that same idea. They compete in every Premier League until the end, with merits that weren’t always theirs, but they clearly reflect their identity.
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“We’ll have to take the game to where we believe we can do damage. It’s a wonderful stadium, with a driving crowd and a surely high pace.”
Simeone also said that Arsenal are taking a leaf out of Atletico’s book from the past by working so hard on set pieces.
The Argentinian coach added: “I see great ball strikers, tall players, and very good headers.
“The number of goals they score like this is unusual; they work very carefully. It’s a huge strength. We won many games that way in 2014, and it’s an option they have too.”
Atletico’s former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez also insisted that they can upset Arsenal despite the Gunners being in red-hot form. He also says they will be ready for Arsenal’s style and tactics.
Alvarez added: “We can take on and beat any team. We have a great squad. We didn’t get off to a great start, we had injuries, but the team improved and now we’re in great shape to compete.
“In England, teams have more transitions, faster wingers, but there are many similarities. Football is still football.
“Arsenal is a great team; they like to have possession and are strong from set pieces. But we, with our strengths, can hurt them.”