Former Real Madrid star Steve McManaman has strongly criticized Diego Simeone’s conduct during Atletico Madrid’s Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal, which ended in a 1-1 draw. McManaman, speaking to TNT Sports, described the Argentine manager’s behavior as ‘terrible’ and ‘absolutely awful.’
Throughout the match at the Metropolitano, both Simeone and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta drew attention for their touchline actions. However, McManaman singled out Simeone for particular criticism, noting that the Spanish television director may have missed some incidents but viewers could still witness the intensity of the exchanges.
‘We could see, sometimes the cameras would not show it with the Spanish directors, but we could see what was going on,’ McManaman said. ‘His behavior, his number two and three with the officials, was terrible. Absolutely awful.’