Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken about Leeds United counterpart Marcelo Bielsa and their FA Cup meeting early in his managerial career.
The Spaniard took the reigns in north London in December last year, with his first game being on Boxing Day, with Leeds then travelling to the Emirates Stadium for a FA Cup third-round clash in early January.
Since then, a Premier League meeting at Elland Road has occurred but Bielsa clearly left a lasting impression upon Arteta.
“When I arrived we had to play Leeds United managed by Marcelo Bielsa, and I, obviously have followed Bielsa a lot and I knew what he wanted to do and what he does," he told DAZN.
"But then to experience that, the intensity he puts, his charisma, what he transmits from the bench. I don’t know.
"He’s special and I was left surprised, I liked it a lot. It has a level of difficulty to find solutions very complex with a very well marked style of play and unique."
Bielsa's style of play has earned further plaudits since the promotion to the top-flight, where the Whites were unfortunate not to beat Arsenal in their Premier League clash just weeks ago.
The two managers will face off once again in February when Arsenal host Leeds in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium, where the Gunners will hope to have found some form.
Arsenal currently sit 14th in the standings, one point behind Leeds and closer to the relegation zone than they are to the top of the table.
