Jurgen Klopp and Diego Simeone snub handshake once again as Liverpool down Atletico
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp finally put an end to the handshake saga with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone by stating that he truly respects the Atletico Madrid manager.
Liverpool were in cruise control during their Champions League encounter against Atletico on Wednesday at Anfield. Goals from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane helped them win 2-0 and qualify for the last-16 of the tournament with two games to spare.
Talking after the match (h/t Mirror), the German boss emphasised that he respects Simeone and what he has done at the Spanish club.
“I respect him a lot. We don’t know each other but I respect what he is doing at Atletico, absolutely exceptional against strong sides year after year.”
“The handshake? If I knew he didn’t do it, then I wouldn’t try it. We were both emotional [after the game in Madrid] but now I know he doesn’t like to do it, so no problem.”
The six-time Champions League winners overcame Atletico 3-2 in a fiery contest at the Wanda Metropolitano in their previous meeting a fortnight ago. It was arguably one of the most exciting matches of the group stages this season.
A double from Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita goal were enough to cancel out Antoine Griezmann’s first-half double but what followed was the highlight and became the talking point of the match.
Simeone refused to shake Klopp’s hand at the end of the match and went straight down the tunnel. The Argentine’s antics drew considerable media attention ahead of the return fixture at Anfield.
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Klopp to his credit does not appear overtly perturbed by Simeone’s antics. Whether it is a ploy or not, the Atletico manager has been outmanoeuvred both on and off the pitch this season.
Meanwhile, the Anfield crowd didn’t forget the handshake snub and mocked the Atletico Madrid manager a number of times during the match.
