Diego Simeone addresses controversy regarding Celtic game

Celtic will take on Atletico Madrid this midweek in the Champions League. It is a game with a lot riding on the result for the Hoops. Brendan Rodgers’ side have lost both of their games in the group stage of the competition so far and as a result, they need to get something out of the two matches with Diego Simeone’s side.

That is much easier said than done. Atletico Madrid have been fantastic lately, winning six games on the trot.

That run includes wins over Real Madrid and Real Sociedad in La Liga, and Feyenoord in the Champions League. Atletico Madrid are currently top of their group in Europe’s elite competition and will go top of the Spanish league if they can win their game in hand.

While this is a glamour game without any storyline surrounding it, there has been quite a lot of controversy about one decision that the Spanish club have made in the lead-up to it. Atletico Madrid have decided to wear a commemorative kit against Celtic. The club will wear an all-red jersey to mark their 1974 European Cup semi-final with the Hoops.

Simeone addresses controversy regarding Celtic game

Of course, that is a choice that has not made a lot of Celtic fans happy. But Simeone seems to be focused solely on the match and nothing else.

As reported by the Daily Record, Simeone said:

"“People can interpret things any way they want. Tomorrow is just about the opposition. Celtic is a tough rival, with some really strong players. I really admire the way they play football and it is going to be a tough game.“Newspapers will have their headlines but what matters to me is the stadium, the history and the crowd. It is a huge game, the Champions League and their fans will be hoping to get a win. We are going to approach the game with a lot of enthusiasm and vigour.”"

It really does not matter what kind of kit Atletico Madrid wear against Celtic. It has been half a century since that game and it is not going to have any effect on the result this midweek.

Atletico Madrid are quite clearly the favourites to get a win at Parkhead. But Rodgers’ side do have the ability to pull off a surprise from time to time. Let’s hope it happens against the Spanish giants.