Diego Simeone has defended Atletico Madrid’s tactics against Liverpool (Action Images via Reuters)

Diego Simeone has defended Atletico Madrid’s gameplan after being criticised by Jurgen Klopp in the aftermath of Liverpool’s Champions League exit.

Liverpool were forced to go to exra time as they were unable to add to Georginio Wijnaldum’s goal in the first half but looked on course to secure their place in the quarter-finals with Roberto Firmino’s strike in the 94th minute.

But an error from Adrian allowed Marcos Llorente to score a crucial away goal for Atletico. The midfielder then found the net for a second time before Alvaro Morata struck in the closing stages to secure a 3-2 victory for Simeone’s side.



After the match, Klopp criticised Atletico’s defensive approach to the second leg at Anfield.


‘I don’t understand with the quality they have that they play this kind of football. I don’t understand that,’ said the Liverpool manager.

Jurgen Klopp says Atletico Madrid did not play ‘proper football’ (EMPICS Sport)

‘When I see players like Llorente, Koke, Saul… they could play proper football but they stand deep in their own half and have counter-attacks.’

But when asked about Klopp’s analysis of Atletico’s approach, Simeone replied: ‘I respect his identity and the quality footballers they have.

‘We try to exploit deficiencies in the opponent. That’s what we do. And we try to win.’

However, Simeone claimed that the result was ‘unjust’ as Atletico had the advantage of extra time to find an away goal.

‘What I have to say, and will be saying at the next UEFA coaches’ meeting, is what I think is unfair,’ said Simeone.

‘Today was unjust because we had 30 minutes of extra time to score three away goals. Liverpool never had that. We had 30 more minutes to score an away goal and Liverpool didn’t. That’s not fair.

‘The rule favoured us today but it might go against us in the future. Liverpool had 30 minutes fewer to score an away goal. That’s wrong.’

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