Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta names Leeds man he’s always admired

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Ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Leeds United this weekend, Mikel Arteta has told the Gunners’ official website of the Whites man he has always admired.

Arsenal return to action this Sunday looking to prove a point. They suffered a hugely disappointing defeat in their final game before the international break.

It was a result that arguably left Arteta coming in for the most criticism he has had to deal with  during the early stages of his managerial career.

But it looks set to be another tough task for the Gunners this weekend. Leeds are looking to bounce back from two heavy defeats. However, they have previously shown how dangerous they can be.

Aston Villa were the ones who thrashed Arsenal. But the Villans themselves were beaten 3-0 by Leeds earlier in the season.

So it is no surprise that Arteta seems to be well aware of the size of the challenge ahead as he prepares to come up against Marcelo Bielsa for the second time.

“I know Marcelo really well because I have followed him over the years,” he told Arsenal’s official website.

“I had the possibility to work with players who have been involved with him for years and he is a manager I have always admired because what he transmits to his players and the way he manages to get his teams playing is very special.

“They’re going to go 100mph for every ball, they way they press you, the way they challenge you, the way they go about the game for 96 minutes. They will make it a really difficult and really intense game.”

Arsenal’s task has been made no easier by the international break. Kieran Tierney played every minute for Scotland. Bukayo Saka was not far behind with England.

Meanwhile, the likes of Mohamed Elneny and Sead Kolasinac will be unavailable after testing positive for coronavirus.

Leeds however, have their own injury issues. And they may have lost some confidence following their last two results. So it could be a fascinating contest between Bielsa’s and Arteta’s sides at Elland Road.