Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp should not expect a post-match handshake from Diego Simeone at Anfield on Wednesday as the Atletico Madrid boss believes they are 'false'.
After his side's 3-2 win over Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano a fortnight ago, the Reds boss could only watch on as his opposite number darted down the tunnel at the final whistle without any acknowledgement.
Klopp was initially annoyed but later played down any long-lasting tension - but Simeone has said post-match pleasantries are just not something he wants to be involved in.
"I don't like the greeting after the match because they are the emotions of two sides in different emotional minds," he said.
"I know in the UK it is a custom but I don't share it and I don't like the falseness it may include.
"I don't know Klopp as a person very well but I know he is a great coach who has done great work at every club he has been at."
This will be the fourth meeting in three seasons between the two sides and the last couple, Liverpool's thrilling win a fortnight ago and Atleti's Anfield victory in March 2020 which knocked out the holders, have had all the elements of a great modern-day rivalry.
Simeone, however, insists he and his players go into this game with a clean slate.
"It's two great stadiums with two great sets of supporters with two clubs who want to continue growing globally so I think it is normal to be considered a great match," he said.
"It isn't about getting back at someone, in football it doesn't exist. There's no sense of 'let's get back at them'.
"It's a new match and whatever result tomorrow will be the consequences of that match and not the match which happened a year ago - even if the match a year ago will stay in the memories of the Atletico Madrid fans."
Klopp will have much-needed midfield reinforcements to face Atletico, with Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara now back in contention.
With Naby Keita being ruled out with a hamstring injury "for a while", joining James Milner (hamstring) and Harvey Elliott (ankle) on the injured list, resources were looking stretched for the visit of the Spanish champions.
However, Fabinho has recovered from a knee injury which has sidelined him for three matches while Thiago is back in the squad for the first time since mid-September.
"Naby has a hamstring injury so will be out for a while," said Klopp.
"Thiago and Fabinho trained normal and are in contention, which is helpful."
