Diego Simeone: Europe’s Most Polarising Manager Heads Back to England
Diego Simeone remains one of the most divisive figures in European football — a manager whose fiery personality and intense style of play have unsettled numerous English sides in the UEFA Champions League.
Liverpool, in particular, have experienced the brunt of Simeone’s tactics and his famously relentless, win-at-all-costs mindset, which defines his Atletico Madrid team. This was evident in March 2020 when Marcos Llorente scored twice in extra time to lead Atleti to a dramatic 3-2 win at Anfield, knocking the Reds out of the competition.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is no stranger to Simeone’s confrontational touchline presence. The two clashed back in 2021 during a pre-season friendly, where tensions flared, and Slot took issue with the Argentine’s conduct.
Simeone has always been his own man — unapologetically passionate and unpredictable — and English fans have grown accustomed to his unconventional ways. When Liverpool face Atletico again in Europe this season, don’t expect to see any traditional handshakes between Slot and Simeone.
Simeone’s Disdain for the Post-Match Handshake
In British football, it’s customary for managers to shake hands after matches — a symbolic gesture of sportsmanship. That is, unless things boil over, as seen during the infamous tussle between Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel.
But Simeone openly rejects this ritual. After Liverpool avenged their previous Champions League loss in 2021, Jurgen Klopp was left puzzled when Simeone stormed down the tunnel, bypassing the handshake altogether.
Simeone later clarified: “I don’t like post-match greetings because emotions are running high, and both sides are in completely different headspaces. It’s a tradition in the UK, but I don’t agree with it — it often feels insincere.”
While he’s fine shaking hands before games, Simeone sees little value in the gesture afterward, once the battle is done. Klopp took it in stride, later joking, “I wouldn’t have gone for it either. But I’m sure we’ll shake hands before the game tomorrow.”
Although Klopp and Simeone maintained mutual respect during their matchups, the same can’t be said for Slot, who once had a brief altercation with the fiery Argentine.
Clash of Egos: Simeone vs. Slot
The tension between Simeone and Slot first came to light during a 2021 friendly between Atletico Madrid and Feyenoord. At half-time, Yannick Carrasco was sent off, sparking chaos as several Atleti players stormed the pitch — followed closely by their irate manager.
Simeone personally escorted Carrasco off and then confronted the match officials, still seething over the incident. He later approached Slot, shoving him as the two exchanged heated words after the final whistle.
Slot later told ESPN: “I went to shake his hand, but he refused — so I just laughed. Honestly, if no one had stepped in, things could’ve ended badly for me. I wouldn’t want to face him alone.”
Since then, the animosity has cooled somewhat, and Simeone has mellowed slightly with age. But his reputation for volatility remains intact — and with both Liverpool’s Slot and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta set to face Atletico in Europe this season, they might want to keep their coaching staff nearby… just in case things escalate.
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