‘I remember’: Kieran Trippier shares what Simeone told his Atleti team before they beat Liverpool at Anfield

Add as preferred source on Google

Kieran Trippier is back from his stint in Spain with Atletico Madrid. The full-back won last season’s La Liga title and was also part of the team that knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League in 2020.

That was a chastening night for The Reds. Liverpool were 2-0 up in extra-time and heading towards the quarter-final.

But Adrian’s mistake allowed Atletico back into it. From there, Jurgen Klopp’s side conceded two more goals in 23 minutes and were dumped out of the competition, losing 3-2 on the night.

Trippier played 90 of the 120 minutes at Anfield. It was a night that Diego Simeone was excitable on the touchline to say the least.

The England international has now shared what Simeone expected from his players against the then holders.

“I remember Simeone telling us that night to keep our shape and try to catch them on the counter-attack and, at the end of the day, it’s about winning,” said Trippier whilst in conversation with Alan Shearer for The Athletic.

“Not everybody can play the Klopp way or the Guardiola way. It’s just not realistic. Everybody has their own system or set-up and Simeone’s is different. It’s worked for him.”

What else did Trippier say

The now Newcastle player also addressed comments made by Klopp after the two sides met in the competition again this season.

The Liverpool manager wasn’t impressed with Atletico’s defensive set-up. “I don’t understand with the quality they have that they play this kind of football. I don’t understand that. But the winner is always right,” Klopp told BT Sport as per The Mirror.

“It’s a bit unfair,” Tripper said. “Simeone has been so successful over the last 11 years. He’s won eight trophies. I understand where Klopp is coming from, but if you’re playing at Anfield you can’t go toe-to-toe with them because you’ll get punished.”

There have been some great battles between Atletico and Liverpool over the last couple of years. As both advanced from the same group this year, there could be more fireworks between the managers if they meet again in the latter stages.