Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been giving his reaction to a costly night for Celtic in the UEFA Champions League.
The Bhoys remain rooted to the bottom of Group E after a heavy 6-0 defeat at the hands of the Spaniards on Tuesday.
The game was changed in the 23rd minute when Daizen Maeda was harshly sent off for a challenge on Mario Hermoso, a call that manager Brendan Rodgers and a variety of pundits disagreed with.
Simeone didn’t go into the rights and wrongs of the VAR decision but did conclude that the red card changed the complexion of the fixture, even taking into account the home side’s fast start.
Diego Simeone on Celtic and Atletico
The Atletico boss said [El Imparcial]: “It seems to me that we started well. A very high intensity to be brave and press in their half when we were 11 against 11. We managed to get the goal. We handled the dynamic pressures at a good pace.
“After the red card, it is difficult for them to play with one less. The opponent remained humble, they tried to come out playing which allowed us to put pressure on them very well.
“When the first half ended, we understood that we had to take a step forward, that’s why Llorente came in to give strength. Lino, Azpilicueta, and Soyuncu came in very well and we ended up rounding out the game.
“Today the players came out intense, brave. They went for the game. They found the goal and it helped them find more. We had a good set-up with the centre-backs. It allowed us to press higher. I’m happy and hoping to repeat this type of match.”
Simeone has received criticism for his antics in the two matches against Celtic. He’s snubbed Brendan Rodgers on the touchline and, last night, was part of the theatrics which led to Maeda’s dismissal.
Ultimately though he’s gotten what he wanted out of these matches against the Bhoys. They sit top of Group E after the double-header and should go on to qualify for the last 16.
He’s done a job on Celtic. The Scottish champions are now left wondering how to plan and prepare for future European campaigns.
In other news, Owen Hargreaves, Martin O’Neill and Aiden McGeady left utterly bemused by Celtic Atletico call.
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