Wesley Sneijder (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Wesley Sneijder harshly criticized Arsenal for their performance against Atletico Madrid but praised Mikel Arteta, claiming the Spanish coach deserves a monument for reaching the Champions League final.
Wesley Sneijder delivered brutal criticism after the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.
The former Inter midfielder was deeply unimpressed by the quality of football shown in London and even joked that UEFA should have intervened.
"After 35 minutes I said UEFA should intervene," Sneijder told Ziggo Sport.
The Dutchman then pushed his criticism even further with an ironic suggestion.
"We should call London and say: both teams off the pitch, and the final should be played tomorrow between Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain."
According to Sneijder, the pattern of the match was obvious from the beginning.
"We knew what was going to happen. Atletico dropped back and gave away possession, while Arsenal controlled the ball completely."
Despite his criticism of the match itself, Sneijder reserved strong praise for Mikel Arteta.
"When I look at this team, I can say Arteta already deserves a monument."
"He simply does not have top players, but with this team, he outplayed Atletico. That is impressive."
Arsenal have now reached only the second Champions League final in the club’s history and the first since 2006.
The London side has impressed throughout the competition. They won all eight matches in the group stage and remain unbeaten in Europe this season.
Defensively, Arteta’s team have also been outstanding, conceding only six goals in 14 matches.
In the final, Arsenal will face either PSG or Bayern Munich. The French side currently hold a 5-4 advantage after a spectacular first leg.