Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone reveals reason behind sending off

Atletico Madrid narrowly lost a five-goal thriller against Liverpool in their first Champions League match of the season on Wednesday. Los Colchoneros conceded twice in the opening six minutes before mounting an impressive comeback courtesy of two Marcos Llorente goals, before Virgil van Dihj headed home a stoppage time winner for the hosts.

As per Diario AS, Atleti head coach Diego Simeone gave his thoughts on proceedings at Anfield.

“The team didn’t start well, we didn’t have that luck in the 1-0, which took us out of what we had planned. Then came the second, which was a great goal. But the team, with spirit, with work, with quality, began to equalise the game, to generate play, to show that we were in. We ended the first half with Llorente’s 2-1, which was encouraging.

“In the second half we also raised our level, with more tranquillity. We suffered some counter-attacks because they are very good, but we stayed on the edge. The 2-2 appeared and then a great goal from Van Dijk, impressive. It leaves us with the bitter taste of defeat, but also the spirit that you have to have to play for Atletico.”

Diego Simeone reacts to sending off incident

Simeone was sent off after Liverpool’s late winner after reacting to fans behind his dugout area – he elaborated on what happened when speaking to the media.

“We are in a place where we do not have the right to react. It is not right when we react because we are protagonists, but in the same way that we fight against racism and insults to players, the benches are glued together and it is not easy to receive insults all game. The third goal came and in addition to the insults there was a gesture, and I am only a person.

“We always talk about caring, respecting… but they insult you throughout the game from behind. I can’t say anything because I’m the coach. My reaction is not justifiable, but after 90 minutes of insults, it is not easy. The referee told me he understood the situation. Hopefully Liverpool can improve that part, and when they identify the person who did that, let it have consequences.

“I am not going to go into detail about why the insults were. From the side I have I have to maintain the place, support everything that happens behind the substitutes’ bench and until society can solve it. Any coach has to live with that because it happens all the time.”