Arsenal have apologized to Atletico Madrid after a complaint regarding a lack of hot water at the Emirates Stadium. The Spanish side reported the issue following their training session on Monday. The problem reportedly affected both the away and home dressing rooms. Mikel Arteta has also spoken of his admiration for Diego Simeone.
Arsenal apologize to Atletico Madrid after hot water issue
Atletico Madrid reportedly filed a complaint with Arsenal after their players were unable to access hot water in the Emirates Stadium dressing rooms. This occurred following a training session on Monday evening, according to reports. Diego Simeone’s side held their final training session in the rain before Tuesday’s Champions League encounter.
The players were frustrated to discover there was no hot water available for showers afterward. Spanish reports indicate the issue lasted for more than an hour. As a result, the players abandoned post-training recovery and returned to their hotel instead.
Champions League preparations affected at the Emirates Stadium
The technical problem affected both the home and away dressing rooms. The issue was resolved roughly 40 minutes after Arsenal were informed. However, by that time, Atletico had already ended their session early. Arsenal later issued an apology to the visitors for the inconvenience. The club clarified that the problem was caused by a temporary fault rather than negligence.
UEFA rules require clubs to provide dressing rooms with functional hot-water showers. However, the regulation applies strictly to official matchdays and not to training sessions. Atletico are set to face Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday night in a key Champions League league-phase fixture. Mikel Arteta’s men currently sit fifth in the standings after securing victories over Olympiacos and Athletic Club. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone’s side are tenth following a win against Eintracht Frankfurt and a loss to Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta praises Diego Simeone ahead of Champions League clash
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has expressed deep admiration for Diego Simeone ahead of the clash. He hailed the Argentine’s remarkable 14-year tenure at Atletico Madrid as “incredible.” Speaking to the media, Mikel Arteta lauded Diego Simeone for his achievements and the distinctive identity he has built within the club.
“I think what he’s done since he got to Atletico has been outstanding, not only what he has achieved but the way he’s done it,” Mikel Arteta said. “I think the identity that he has created for the club, for the team, the spirit, I think they are very simple and clear to identify, and that’s because the manager is very much them.”
He added, “And that’s extremely difficult to achieve for a short period of time, let alone for 14 years. I think he’s been there now, he’s done something incredible. So yeah, a pleasure to meet him.”
The incident at the Emirates provides a bizarre backdrop to what should be a fascinating Champions League match. While the hot water issue is a minor inconvenience, Mikel Arteta’s respect for Diego Simeone suggests a potentially intriguing tactical battle. Arsenal will need to be at their best to overcome a well-drilled Atletico Madrid side.
