Klopp lauds ‘absolutely exceptional’ Diego Simeone after their handshake drama


Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised Diego Simeone ahead of their Champions League clash for doing an “absolutely exceptional” job at Atletico Madrid.

Klopp’s side host Madrid in their latest Champions League group game on Wednesday night. The two European giants squared off last month at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Antoine Griezmann was sent off as Mohammed Salah scored a brace to help Liverpool win 3-2.


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Simeone did not shake Klopp’s hand at full time. After the game, he explained that this is not a “healthy” thing for managers to do.

If Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid again on Wednesday they will secure their spot in the knockout stages.

As reported by BBC Sport, Klopp has said that Atletico Madrid have never “played a friendly game” under Simeone:

“A similar intensity. Atletico never played a friendly game since Diego [Simeone] has been there and the situation in the group sets the level,” Klopp said.

“It is clear Atletico will need three points and we want to win the game at home. It feels like a long time since we played a home game in the Champions League, which was against AC Milan five weeks ago.

“We were so happy we qualified for the Champions League because we knew we would have nights like this at Anfield. Now it is coming and we should celebrate it in a football way with our supporters. Atleti are an incredibly good team but we will give it a try.”

He added: “I respect [Simeone] 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. Really impressive.

“We were both emotional but now I know he doesn’t like to do it [shake hands after the game], so no problem. Then we can all go home happy but between the handshakes, it’s an important game, which I am more concerned about.”

Klopp later added Fabinho and Thiago are back “in contention” for Liverpool:

“Naby [Keita] has a hamstring injury and will be out for a while, and apart from that, [James] Milner is clear [hamstring].

“Fabinho and Thiago trained completely normal and are in contention, which is good and very helpful.

“Injuries at this period of the season are completely normal, as long as they are not too harsh, and we have to accept that. Those players will be back hopefully soon and then they will be in contention.”





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