Poch full of praise for Arteta ahead of Chelsea v Arsenal game

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MAURICIO Pochettino has spoken about his long-term admiration for Arsenal opposite number Mikel Arteta ahead of Chelsea’s meeting against the Gunners tomorrow.

There may be a 10-year age gap between the duo – Argentine Poch the senior figure of the two – but this didn’t stop them becoming firm friends as players at Paris Saint Germain more than two decades ago.

They both joined the Ligue 1 outfit in 2001, Arteta on loan for a year from Barcelona while Pochettino went on to spend two years in the French capital.

And it was during their time together they formed a firm bond, so much so that Pochettino even considers Arterta to almost be like a blood relative.

“You know very well Mikel is like part of my family,” explained the Blues boss.

“I’m going to meet him tomorrow.

“Yes, it is going to be tough because they are doing a great job. They have a very good squad, a very good team that are playing so well.

“They are a contender for everything to win, not only the Premier League but the Champions League.

“They are doing a fantastic job and it is going to be tough, but also we are confident that we can give our best and to have a very good game.”

Pochettino not only has good things to say about a friendship which remains as strong as ever to this day, but is also convinced Arteta can go on to become one of football’s best ever bosses.

“Amazing memories,” the Argentine said.

“When you connect with a person like him – we shared the values and we shared the passion of football. I can tell you he is part of my family from day one that he arrived at Paris.

“We arrived together, we spent time together with our families also, the first few months in the hotel and then we lived very close (together). It was an amazing history.

“Of course, for me it has not surprised me what he is doing because he was a coach already when he was 17 when I knew him. Already he was a coach.

“Trust me, he was really, really good with his judgement and how he sees football.

“It has not surprised me. He is great.

“He is still only young and of course improving day by day. He can be one of the greatest managers in the world.”

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