Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta believes Jose Mourinho is still a world class manager as he prepares to face the Tottenham boss for the first time this Sunday.
Mourinho boasts one of the most decorated CVs in world football after winning league titles in England, Italy and Spain.
The 57-year-old, however, has come under fire in recent seasons and he is once again the subject of criticism due to Tottenham’s current form.
Spurs are currently ninth in the Premier League, one place below Arsenal, while they last night drew 0-0 at Bournemouth without a single shot on target.
Tottenham must now pick themselves up to host Arsenal on Sunday, but Arteta is under no illusions about the challenge his side face.
And when asked if Mourinho is still a world class manager, the Spaniard said: “Absolutely. He has a very clear way of playing, a clear way of how he manages games. I think clean sheets are obviously a big thing that he wants to do, but his teams - don’t forget - always score a lot of goals.
“They have been really successful and they have been able to win titles because of that.
“As well, I think in a long period they (Tottenham) have had a lot of injuries.
“So he hasn’t had the chance to be consistent as well with his team and that’s a big disadvantage that they have.
“I know people have worked with him and he always finds a way to be successful - and I am sure he will do it again.
“He always finds the right way to do it and, it will take him a bit of time, but I am sure he will do it.”
Sunday will be Arteta’s first north London derby as Arsenal manager, having previously experienced it as a player, and he says it will not be the same without supporters.
“It is going to be a shame, because the stadium that they built is such a beautiful one,” Arteta said.
“Not having the fans there is not going to be the same, so it is going to be a strange derby.”
