Simeone takes a jab at Liverpool following their heavy defeat to Arsenal

Following the 0-4 defeat against Arsenal, Atletico’s coach Diego Simeone surprisingly criticized Liverpool by declaring Arsenal as the toughest opponent they have encountered this season.

After suffering a heavy 0-4 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League, Atletico Madrid’s coach Diego Simeone made a striking comment by taking a dig at Liverpool, who had beaten them less than a month ago.

In the match at Emirates, Atletico showed resilience in the first half but completely collapsed after the break. Within 13 minutes, Arsenal scored four goals through Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and a brace from Viktor Gyökeres. This marked Atletico’s second consecutive defeat on English soil, following a 2-3 loss to Liverpool last month when Virgil van Dijk scored a decisive goal in the 92nd minute.

After the game, Simeone admitted that Arsenal is the “strongest team” he has faced this season, a statement widely seen as a subtle dig at Liverpool. Simeone told Amazon Prime: “Yes, I believe Arsenal is the best team we have encountered. They play with superior speed, energy, and quality. They never stop running and fully deserved this victory.”

Simeone’s remarks quickly sparked debate in the English media since Atletico had recently lost to Liverpool in a dramatic match, and the Argentine coach had a confrontation with fans at Anfield.

His special praise for Arsenal instead of Liverpool, who also defeated Atletico, led many to think Simeone was implicitly downplaying Liverpool’s level, especially given their current slump with four consecutive losses.

Simeone’s words seem to carry more meaning than just a compliment. They not only acknowledge Arsenal’s strength but also serve as a subtle jab at Liverpool, a team struggling with a crisis and recently facing a plane incident before their trip to Frankfurt.

While Arsenal soars with impressive form in both the Champions League and Premier League, Arne Slot’s Liverpool faces immense pressure. Simeone may not say it outright, but it’s clear to everyone: in his view, Arsenal is currently the truly formidable English team.