Atletico Madrid’s manager Diego Simeone is one of the fiercest competitors in the world. His passion for the game and intense management has helped Atletico reach great heights; notably, taking them to two UEFA Champions League finals and winning two La Liga titles.
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However, the extent of that passion came out in his press conference ahead of their match against Liverpool in the UCL group stages. Simeone revealed that he won’t shake hands with Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, at the final whistle.
“I’ve already explained myself after the first match, I don’t like the handshake greetings after the match as they are the emotions of two different sides in different emotional minds,” Diego said.
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Diego Simeone will ‘behave as he feels’
Diego talked about it being a custom in the UK but added that he wouldn’t succumb to the falsehood.
“I know in the UK it is a custom and all about chivalry, but I don’t share it and I don’t like the falseness. So I behave as I feel,” he said.
However, there is no love lost between the two managers with Simeone complimenting Jurgen Klopp on his managerial skills. He alluded to his success in Germany and England.
“I don’t know Klopp as a person, but he is a great coach and has been great everywhere he has been,” the manager concluded.
Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid in the group stage:
Simeone would have first-hand experience of Jurgen Klopp’s management. Liverpool have faced Atletico Madrid on a few occasions in recent times and the two teams have put on a show always. One can’t forget Atletico’s win against Liverpool in the 2020 UEFA Champions League, where the Spanish side mounted a great comeback to beat Klopp’s men in their own backyard.
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Liverpool is sitting at the top of the group with 9 points from 3 matches. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid has struggled as they have four points from three matches and lie in second place. Porto has four points as well, and a win for the Portuguese club will be a disaster for Simeone.
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