believes Arsenal are contenders to win the Champions League this season and feels is already one of the best managers in the world.
Arteta’s Arsenal side resume their Premier League campaign on Saturday as they travel to Stamford Bridge to play .
The Gunners are unbeaten in the Premier League this season with 20 points from their first eight games and look set to mount another title challenge.
In the Champions League, an impressive 4-0 win over PSV in their group-stage opener was followed up with a 2-1 defeat away to Lens.
But despite the setback, Pochettino insists Arsenal will be a credible threat in Europe this season.
‘I think we are thinking we need to win tomorrow, with respect to , they are a great team,’ the Chelsea manager said on Friday.
‘You know very well, Mikel is part of my family, we are going to meet him tomorrow.
‘Yes, it is going to be tough because they are doing a great job. Very good squad, very good team. They are playing so well, they are a contender for everything to win, not only the , for the .
‘They are doing a fantastic job, it’s going to be tough but also we are confident we can give our best and give a very good game.’
When asked about Arteta’s ability, Pochettino said: ‘I think when you are coaching in Arsenal and what the team is showing is because he is one of the best.
‘Okay, he is 30 years old, 40 years old, I don’t know, he is young but he has shown me he is one of the best coaches in the world today.
‘It’s not only to be good tactically, football knowledge, it’s about how you manage. How you manage people, how you manage, how you deal with the media, the owners, how you deal with sporting directors.
‘It’s not only about the capacity to be clever and smart in the way you prepare the games. In the end it is not the most important thing.’
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