Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been giving his thoughts on the awkward moment between himself and Diego Simeone at the end of the draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Rodgers went to shake the opposition manager’s hand after a thrilling 2-2 result, but Simeone barely touched him and went straight up the tunnel.
It left some Celtic fans annoyed and was perceived by many as a classless action. However, for Rodgers, it is simply the sign of a different footballing culture.
Brendan Rodgers on Diego Simeone
The Bhoys boss said [The Herald]: “In this country we’re very much around respect. You always hold out your hand. I know abroad they’re not so keen on it and they do their own thing. It doesn’t worry me.
“We probably surprised Atletico Madrid with our genuine quality and intensity. So, afterwards they would have gone back home and sat on the plane saying we were a good side.
“He’s a fantastic manager and he’s done great things with them, so it doesn’t matter to me.”
Simeone was indeed complimentary of Celtic after the match but claimed he wasn’t surprised at all by Celtic. He knew the Bhoys would be up for a battle after watching the opening two matches of the group stage against Lazio and Feyenoord.
Celtic are gaining opposition respect in Europe, but the next step is converting that into a statement win.
The Bhoys haven’t picked up three points in this competition for a long time and it’s something all fans are craving before the end of this group stage campaign, regardless of progression or a parachute into the Europa League.
In other news, Premiership boss wants his players to be inspired by “sensational” Celtic star.
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