Diego Simeone is a manager who lets his emotions run high on the touchline during matches, and it is so evident from his antics that he regrets a few things after the game. He also has one post-match tradition of not shaking hands with the opponent’s manager, regardless of the result.
Diego Simeone Apologies to Real Madrid Star Vinicius Jr
The Atletico Madrid manager made the headlines last week, once again for the wrong reasons. He was involved in an exchange with Vinicius Jr on the touchline during the Spanish Super Cup semifinal.
The Argentine was trying to get into the Brazilian winger’s head, a player who has always been tough to handle on the pitch. The constant exchanges were caught on camera, and at one point in the first half, the manager was seen making a surprise claim.
Simeone told Vinicius Jr. that Real Madrid was going to sell him and that club president Florentino Perez was going to let him go. He kept warning the winger that his days at the club were numbered, and their exchange continued into the second half.
Real Madrid fans booed the winger during the match, and while he was being substituted, Simeone made sure the Brazilian knew he was being targeted. His comments led to a minor altercation on the touchline, and both he and the winger received a booking.
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The journalists asked him about the comments made after the 2-1 loss to Real Madrid, and he was quick to downplay them. He said that it was left behind on the pitch and said:
“Vini Jr.? I have nothing to say. I’ve always said, ever since I was a player, that what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. Nothing to add.”
However, he has now issued an apology to the winger and the Real Madrid president. He admitted to having crossed a line with his comment during the game and said:
“I’d like to apologize to Mr. Florentino Pérez & Mr. Vini Jr. for what happened the other day. It was not right, and that’s why I’m apologizing.”
Vinicius Jr has been in contract talks with Los Blancos for months, and the club has not budged on its offer. The winger wants a deal close to Kylian Mbappe and what Cristiano Ronaldo used to earn at the club, but the Spanish giants are unwilling to match it. Reports suggest he could be sold in the summer, as he will be entering the final year of his contract.