Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone have clashed in the past as the Reds prepare to host the Spanish side at Anfield
Arne Slot is set to be reunited with Atleitco Madrid boss Diego Simeone in Liverpool's opening Champions League game
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Arne Slot is set to be reunited with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who angrily confronted the Liverpool boss during a previous encounter. Liverpool are preparing to host Atletico Madrid on Wednesday as the Reds begin their Champions League campaign.
Slot will want to improve on last season’s European campaign, having exited at the round of 16 to eventual champions PSG on penalties despite topping the new-look group phase. The Reds will be keen to make another strong start in the Champions League this time around and Slot is already familiar with Atletico boss Simeone.
The pair first met during a pre-season friendly between Atletico and Feyenoord, shortly after Slot began his reign at the Dutch club in 2021. After Feyenoord sealed a 2-1 win in added time, a frustrated Simeone shoved Slot, prompting players and coaching staff to step in, as he mistakenly believed the future Liverpool boss was mocking him.
"At that moment, at the end of the match, I turned to Simeone to tell him how passionate he was even in a friendly match," he said ahead of Feyennoord facing the same opponents in the Champions League two years ago, as reported by talkSPORT.
"Then, he misinterpreted the smile I had at that moment and pushed me. This says a lot about him, how easily he gets irritated and frustrated. It doesn't matter who he is in front of, he is like that, I don't think he has anything against me."
However, Simeone subsequently took issue with Slot’s comments. "Slot had the guts to tell me that I was a frustrated character and that I get wound up over all sorts of things," he said. "I would never say stuff like that about a fellow manager."
While a late goal from Feyenoord’s Naoufal Bannis had settled their first meeting in a friendly, Slot’s side enjoyed no such fortune in their subsequent meetings with Atletico, losing both of their Champions League clashes in the 2023/24 campaign. Meanwhile, Liverpool last met the Spanish side during the 2021/22 group stage, recording a 3-2 away win and a 2-0 victory at home.
Arne Slot and Diego Simeone's sides met in the Champions League two years after the shoving incident
Simeone previously masterminded victories over Liverpool in 2020, winning both legs to knock Jurgen Klopp’s side out at the round of 16. However, due to his club's growing injury list, he faces an uphill battle to replicate a similar result.
Atletico have been without centre-back Jose Maria Gimenez so far this season, while new signing Alex Baena is due to undergo surgery for acute appendicitis and Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada picked up an injury on international duty.
Content Image
When discussing Almada’s injury, Simeone said: "Footballers are athletes; these situations can happen in any national team. He's an important player, who adds to Baena's situation, but we have to live with what happens, and that's why we need a strong squad."
Atletico were given a fresh injury worry at the weekend, with Julian Alvarez being substituted at half-time during the team’s win over Villarreal. David Hancko and Robin Le Normand were also substituted with suspected injuries.
Diego Simeone celebrated a win over Liverpool at Anfield in 2020
While Liverpool head into their first Champions League game in high spirits following four successive wins in the Premier League, it has been a more mixed start for Atletico. Simeone’s side lost to Espanyol and drew with Elche and Alaves before recording a 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday.
Following their first three league results, Simeone admitted to understanding the fans’ anxiousness towards his team. "I don’t expect anything; when you expect in life, you despair," he explained. "We need to work so that people identify with the team.
"As for the affection the fans have shown me, I've been grateful since I arrived in '94, and I'm the one who has to keep giving the people what they expect from our team."
For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
Find more about When Alexander Isak can make his Liverpool debut after £125m striker misses Burnley
Find more about Julian Alvarez sends Liverpool message amid Champions League clash as transfer swap plan emerges
Find more about Arne Slot repeated old Liverpool trick with early Milos Kerkez substitution against Burnley
Find more about Liverpool will add £75m player to Arne Slot's squad if they complete shock transfer
We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.