Atlético Madrid boss, Diego Simeone has explained his reason for not shaking hands with opposition Managers after a game, claiming it brings about “falseness”.
In October, after Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 at the Wanda Metropolitano, Simeone refused to shake hands with Jurgen Klopp and instead dashed down the tunnel.
The Argentine was accused of being disrespectful in snubbing his counterpart, but it has emerged that Simeone is not accustomed to the English post-match handshake; meaning he won’t be shaking hands again tonight at Anfield.
“I don’t like the greeting after the match because they are the emotions of two sides in different emotional minds,” Simeone said.
“I know in the UK it is a custom but I don’t share it and I don’t like the falseness it may include.
“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,” he added.
Although, Simeone and Klopp have embraced previously, with the former initially going for a handshake but switching to an elbow in March 2020.
And in response to Simeone’s comments, Klopp said he has no issue with the former Lazio midfielder’s stance on handshakes and wouldn’t have tried it had he known before the game a fortnight ago.
“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. Really impressive.
“The handshake? If I knew he doesn’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.
“Then we can all go home happy but between the handshakes, it’s an important game, which I am more concerned about,” Klopp noted.
