Diego Simeone sends Liverpool message as Atletico boss could face awkward Anfield return

Liverpool could come up against Atletico Madrid again in the Champions League last-16, which could be awkward for Diego Simeone, having not enjoyed his last visit to Anfield

Diego Simeone has sent a message to Liverpool ahead of a possible return to Anfield(Image: Getty Images)

Diego Simeone has insisted he’s “not thinking about Liverpool” ahead of what could be a very awkward return to Anfield for the Atletico Madrid boss.

The Spanish side is one of the Reds’ potential opponents in the Champions League last-16, having come through its play-off against Club Brugge this week.

Liverpool will find out its first opponent in the knockout stages of the competition on Friday, with Atletico or one of Galatasaray or Juventus its options. Arne Slot’s side managed to avoid having to play an extra round in Europe after finishing in the top eight during the league phase.

That first stage saw the Reds come up against Atletico in their first game of this season’s competition, with Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header securing a 3-2 win at Anfield.

The game ended in ignominy for Simeone, who was sent off after clashing with Liverpool supporters behind the away dugout and was subsequently handed a one-match ban.

No doubt Liverpool fans would be quick to remind Simeone of his indiscretion should he end up returning to Anfield in the last-16, although the Argentine insists he’s not giving any thought to meeting the Reds again.

Diego Simeone was sent off after clashing with Liverpool fans during the league phase(Image: Getty Images)

Speaking after his side’s win over Brugge (via Marca), Simeone said: “There's a huge amount of work behind these results, which are starting to be more positive than negative. Many players have come in over the last two seasons, and reinventing ourselves isn't easy.

“When you see the substitutes come on... I still get emotional. When I see that commitment, I feel a strong connection. I'm very proud of the guys. We came up against a team that plays well, that eliminated Atlanta last year... We were better in the second half.

"Without a doubt, it's extremely important for the club, both financially and globally, but we want more. Hopefully, we have the ability, the talent, and the energy to go further.

"We're not thinking about Liverpool or Tottenham. Getting back to the round of 16 is very important. Let's see if we can improve and advance. The lads have been playing a ton of games.”

Liverpool’s potential path to the final will become clearer on Wednesday, with Juventus hosting Galatasaray in the second leg of their play-off, with the Reds set to face one of those sides or Atletico in the next round.

Galatasaray already looks to have one foot in the last-16 after a 5-2 win in Turkey last week. That could mean another trip to Istanbul for Liverpool, having already lost 1-0 there during the league phase.