Diego Simeone Blames Altercation with Supporter on ‘Getting Insulted All Game’
Atletico Madrid’s coach described his reaction as natural after he faced a spectator following Liverpool scored a last-gasp decisive goal to defeat his team by a single goal.
The manager, who was dismissed by the official, claimed he had been targeted by constant insults throughout the match and his emotions reached a peak once Virgil van Dijk scored.
“We are in a place where we lack the option to reply or answer back,” the Argentine tactician commented. “But if there are remarks against us, discriminatory language or offensive words, we can lose our temper or retaliate. So when someone insults us repeatedly, after the goal, he turned round and verbally attacked me. I am a person, it’s a natural reaction.”
Simeone did not specify whether the remarks were discriminatory, adding: “I won’t discuss the specific content of the abuse. I prefer not to get involved into that debate. I must stay in my role. I know what went on behind the dugout. I can’t solve society’s problems in a single interview. I have to live with it.”
It is the fifth time this season that Liverpool have secured a victory with a last-minute strike, providing a ideal gesture to celebrate manager Arne Slot’s 47th year.
“It’s impossible to be 100% sure,” Slot admitted, “however, I’m confident that we are so fit that we can make one final effort. I guarantee you, whether we fail to find the net, we will attempt to keep going. That is the mentality this squad has.”
Slot continued, “It should not only be about mentality, it’s also how prepared we are, how well conditioned we are over the last few weeks that enables us to push until the end.”
The manager also joked about celebrating his birthday on a European night for the second consecutive season, adding that he would prefer to spend next year’s occasion with loved ones.
