November 02, (THEWILL) – Diego Simeone has stated that he will not shake Jurgen Klopp’s hand because he believes it will be a “false” gesture.
In their most recent Champions League match two weeks ago, the Argentine avoided the post-game pleasantry by dashing straight down the Wanda Metropolitano tunnel, which left Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp perplexed.
After that match, Klopp downplayed any ill blood between the two, and Simeone explained why he is so hesitant to shake hands with his opposing manager in a pre-match press conference ahead of their rematch.
“I don’t like the greeting after the match because they are the emotions of two sides in different emotional minds,” he said. “I know in the UK it is a custom and a sign of respect but I don’t share it and I don’t like the falseness it may include so I behave how I feel.
“I don’t know Klopp as a person very well but I know he is a great coach who has done great work at every club he has been at.”
Liverpool and Atletico Madrid will clash for the fourth time in three seasons on Wednesday. Simeone’s side knocked the Reds out of the Champions League in the last 16 stage last season, despite being beaten 3-2 by Klopp’s side in their last group stage match.
Simeone, on the other hand, claims he is not seeking vengeance and is merely looking forward to a ‘great match.’
“It’s two great stadiums with two great sets of supporters with two clubs who want to continue growing globally so I think it is normal to be considered a great match.
“It isn’t about getting back at someone, in football it doesn’t exist. There’s no sense of ‘Let’s get back at them’.
“It’s a new match and whatever result tomorrow will be the consequences of that match and not the match which happened a year ago – even if the match a year ago will stay in the memories of the Atletico Madrid fans.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
