Claudio Ranieri insists Diego Simeone would prove a big success in the Premier League because he is just like Antonio Conte.
The former Leicester City manager is a keen admirer of the Argentinian’s work with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid and admitted that he based his own Foxes outfit in a similar style to how Simeone sets his team out.
Speculation has been growing surrounding Arsene Wenger’s future at Arsenal, and the Gunners have been linked with a move for the 46-year-old, who will face Leicester in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Ranieri has backed Simeone to make the switch to England from Spain, he told Sky Sports: “When I built Leicester, Atletico Madrid was one of the teams I watched.
“I tried to compare Leicester with Atletico Madrid. Simeone is an Argentinian. He’s born in Argentina but played in Italy.
“And Atletico Madrid play in Italian style. It’s very, very difficult 4-4-2 – very compact, very strong, straightaway go forward. Good players, high quality, high intensity.”
When asked if Simeone could succeed in the Premier League, Ranieri added: “I can maybe compare Simeone with [Antonio] Conte. Another good manager, very, very strong.
“But also he I think would have to understand the English mentality, the English dressing room, all the staff, everything. It’s important.”
By Drew Darbyshire (@DarbySports)
