Simeone: Playing behind closed doors wouldn't be fair for Liverpool Liverpool vs Atletico Atletico take a 1-0 lead to Anfield

More and more games are set to be held behind closed doors around Europe in the next few weeks due to the coronavirus, but Diego Simeone expressed his desire to play Atletico Madrid's match against Liverpool at Anfield in front of fans.

The Argentine explained that it wouldn't be fair for the Reds otherwise, with Jurgen Klopp's side coming into the second leg trailing 1-0 after Los Rojiblancos' win in front of a boisterous crowd at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.

"Rumours are heard [about the game being played behind closed doors]," Simeone said at Atletico's pre-match press conference.

"I hope [the game] will be played with fans.

"It wouldn't be fair for Liverpool."

Simeone acknowledged that despite the one-goal cushion from the first leg, Atletico will have to make a huge effort to qualify against the Premier League leaders.

"We will surely have to be at our best against a great opponent, as they have shown since [Klopp's arrival]," he added.

"We will have to make a great effort to compete.

"The experiences are useful, but mistakes can be repeated.

"It will require concentration.

"If we take the game to where we can harm, we will certainly hurt them."

The next two matchdays in LaLiga Santander will be held behind closed doors as a measure to halt the spread of the coronavirus, and Simeone made clear that health is more important than football.

"Having an opinion [about the decision] wouldn't be fair," he noted.

"Being a favourite for playing as a visitor [behind closed doors] is not the same with this disease that affect every one of us.

"We don't have the power to make decisions.

"I imagine that they are working on solving this.

"We are here to make the best [decision] for the world."