Simeone's message to Klopp before Liverpool vs Atletico: I don't like greeting after games

Diego Simeone has made clear that he will not shake the hand of Jurgen Klopp after Atletico Madrid's match against Liverpool on Wednesday night, as he prefers to seek out the opposition coach in private.

There was a lot of controversy generated in England by the fact that Simeone ran down the tunnel rather than shake Klopp's hand after Liverpool's 3-2 win in Madrid, but this is something that the Atletico boss does after every match - win, lose or draw.

"I explained it after the game [between the two sides in Madrid]," Simeone responded during Tuesday's pre-match press conference.

"I don't like greeting after games because I always understand that the emotions of the coaches are different.

"In England it is seen as a gentlemanly gesture but I don't share [that thought] because I don't like the falsehood it may include.

"I can't talk about the person because I don't know him, I appreciate what a great coach he is and the great work he has done.

"I don't have an opinion on how opposing teams play, I have principles and between coaches we have to respect that situation."

Klopp's response

Klopp, during his own pre-match press conference, admitted that he will try to shake hands with Simeone before the match.

"I respect a lot what he's doing. Absolutely exceptional against a lot of strong sides year after year, really impressive," Klopp said.

"If I'd known he didn't do it [post-game handshakes], I wouldn't have gone for it. I expect we will shake hands before the game tomorrow."

Atletico's absentees

Atletico are without four key players for Wednesday night's match at Anfield, with Thomas Lemar (injury), Marcos Llorente (injury), Stefan Savic (injury) and Antoine Griezmann (suspension) confirmed as being unavailable. Geoffrey Kondogbia (injury) is also out.

"Lemar, Llorente, Savic, Griezmann [are out]. We're going to compete for sure, rest assured," Simeone confirmed.

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