Klopp makes decision on Simeone handshake after "falseness" blast

Jurgen Klopp says he's not bothered about Diego Simeone's lack of desire to shake his hand.

The Atletico Madrid manager faced criticism after he stormed down the tunnel in the immediate aftermath of his side's 3-2 defeat to Klopp's Liverpool in the Champions League two weeks ago, and will come face-to-face with the German at Anfield again on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Simeone was asked whether he would shake Klopp's hand after the match and replied that he isn't a fan of the "falseness" of the custom.

"I've already explained myself after the first match," Simeone said at his press conference ahead of the trip to Liverpool.

"I don't like the handshake greetings after the match as they are the emotions of two different sides in different emotional minds.

Klopp left his hand out after Simeone had bolted down the touchline and appeared frustrated

"So I don't like that greeting after the match.

"I know in the UK it is a custom and all about chivalry, but I don't share it and I don't like the falseness. So I behave as I feel.

"I don't know Klopp as a person, but he is a great coach and has been great everywhere he has been.

"I don't give an opinion on other teams, we are coaches and we all have to respect that."

Klopp was asked Simeone's snub after the game in Madrid, but says he's not bothered about shaking the Argentinean's hand after the match at Anfield now he's aware of his stance.

"I respect him a lot," said Klopp.

"We don't know each other but I respect what he is doing at Atletico, absolutely exceptional against strong sides year after year. Really impressive.

"The handshake? If I knew he doesn't do it, then I wouldn't try it.

"We were both emotional [after the game in Madrid] but now I know he doesn't like to do it, so no problem.

Thiago is set to return to the Liverpool squad for the clash with Atletico ( Image:

Action Images via Reuters)

"Then we can all go home happy but between the handshakes, it's an important game, which I am more concerned about."

Klopp has confirmed that the Reds will be without midfielder Naby Keita for "a while" after he sustained a hamstring injury in the draw with Brighton, but both Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara have returned to training and will feature in the squad.

"Naby has a hamstring injury so will be out for a while," said Klopp.

"Apart from that, Millie [James Milner] it's clear [he won't be involved] and the others who are out long-term will be out as well.

"Fabinho and Thiago trained completely normally and are in contention, which is good obviously. It's very helpful and so we will see.

"Injuries [in this] period of the season are completely normal, as long as they are not too harsh we have to accept that. The players will be back, hopefully soon, and then they are in contention again as well.

"But for tomorrow only the fit players, obviously."