sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Hatem Ben Arfa Lashes Out At Jose Mourinho And Diego Simeone

Hatem Ben Arfa Lashes Out At Jose Mourinho And Diego Simeone

The Frenchman doesn't think much of the pair's methods

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

Hatem Ben Arfa's French renaissance may have stalled since he traded OGC Nice for Paris Saint-Germain last summer, but the former Newcastle United play maker is still making headlines off the pitch.

In a recent interview with France Football, Ben Arfa has lashed out at Jose Mourinho and Diego Simeone for the pair's choice of tactics.

Unsurprisingly for such a flamboyant attacking player, Ben Arfa is not a fan of defensively minded football, which he has accused the Manchester United and Atletico Madrid managers of championing during their coaching careers.

Ben Arfa prefers Johan Cruyff's school of thought when it comes to the beautiful game and seemingly has no time for those that wish to stifle it.

"Many coaches are convinced to invent football on the pretext that they are looking for a system to block the opponent.

"But this is not in the essence of football, with Mourinho and Simeone.

"It is the antithesis of Cruyff and his freedom, and with them there is no longer room for pleasure.

"There is no more spectacle, to the point that football interests me much less. I do not find pleasure watching matches. Even in Ligue 1, we kill football."

Jose
Jose


Mourinho and Simeone - Killing football? Hatem Ben Arfa certainly thinks so. Images: PA

Despite Mourinho and Simeone's fondness for water tight defences, both men have enjoyed considerable success throughout their respective careers, with Mourinho lifting league titles in three countries along with two Champions Leagues.

Simeone, meanwhile, has a Europa League and Copa Del Rey to his name as well as 2014's memorable La Liga championship success with Atletico Madrid. The Argentine has also led 'Los Rojiblancos' to two of the last three Champions League finals, where they been beaten both times by city rivals Real Madrid.

Ben Arfa is currently enduring a rather unproductive time in the French capital, scoring just twice in 31 appearances for the Ligue 1 champions since he moved there on a free, last Summer.

Ben Arfa
Ben Arfa

Hatem Ben Arfa has endured a difficult spell under Unai Emery at PSG. Image: PA

The Frenchman's form is in stark contrast to last season, where he scored 18 goals in 37 appearances for Nice, making up for lost time after his move to Hull City proved to be so miserable.

What do you make of Ben Arfa's comments, though? Is he right about Simeone and Mourinho's methods or is the respective success of both coaches evidence enough to prove that there is room for their style of play within the beautiful game?

Have your say in the comments section, below.

(H/T Dream Team FC)

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Jose Mourinho, Football, Diego Simeone