Marcelo Bielsa has paid tribute to Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta ahead of meeting the Spaniard this weekend.
The Emirates Stadium plays host as the Gunenrs welcome Bielsa’s side to the capital.
Leeds are undeniably the form side and Arsenal – who have lost two and drawn one of their last three matches – won’t be taking anything for granted.
That’s because in addition to their form, the Elland Road club, who were in the Championship last season, are 10th in the Premier League and one place above Arteta’s outfit.
It’s been a very testing first full season in senior management for Arteta, who delivered an FA Cup title in August but for whatever reason, Arsenal don’t look anywhere near as dangerous or as consistent as the team that beat Manchester City and Chelsea in the semi-final and final of that competition.
There is quite a lot of Gunners fans who have washed their hands with their former captain because of the team’s struggles this season.
But Bielsa, speaking to Leeds’ official website, has described his opposite number as a ‘great coach’.
He said: “I think he’s a great coach. His team never lost their identity. They view the different type of players for the same position, which demands knowledge of the style. That is my evaulation of Mikel’s job.”
Arteta is only 38 years of age and managing one of the biggest clubs in Europe despite their Champions League absence in recent years.
It was never going to be an easy ride for such a young coach, in spite of their FA Cup win in August, and there’s no doubt that he’ll get a lot better.
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