Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has refused to stand in the hall of honor in memory of his guest, Real Madrid, who recently won the Spanish first division title before the clash between the two teams at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.
Last week, Real Madrid won the Spanish league title for the 35th time, improving its record in the number of crowns after beating Espanyol, and it was customary in Spain for the opposing team to stand in the next match and pay homage to the hero. Fit.
But respecting the sentiments of his fans, Simeon said his team will not stand in the corridor of honor to salute the hero in Sunday’s match.
Simeon told reporters: “I don’t know if this is the case in other tournaments around the world.
“We respect Real Madrid, but we respect our fans more,” the Argentine coach added.
Atletico Madrid finished fourth, 61 points adrift of third-placed Sevilla, the last qualifiers for the Champions League next season.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who took his team to the Champions League final, said he was not angry with Simeone’s decision.
“Atletico Madrid is a team we respect very much, our neighbors and our friend. I respect its players, fans and coach very much,” the Italian senior coach added.
“It’s okay if they do. It’s okay if they do not. We respect their decision, whatever it is.”
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