Khaberni - Diego Simeone, coach of Atletico Madrid, expressed his regret for mocking Vinicius Junior and apologized for his actions during his team’s loss in the semifinal of the Spanish Football Super Cup against Real Madrid.
Cameras caught the Argentine coach repeatedly provoking the Real Madrid winger throughout the match, and it is reported that he told him, "Florentino will fire you, remember what I say to you," referring to the speculation about Vinicius’ future and his negotiations with Real Madrid as his current contract nears its end.
Simeone said in a press conference on Monday before his team's match against Deportivo La Coruna in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey: "I would like to apologize to Mr. Florentino and Mr. Vinicius for the incident they witnessed. It was wrong of me to put myself in this situation and I accept it was a mistake. The team that wins deserves to qualify; they (Real Madrid) deserved to qualify."
Simeone received questions from journalists about whether his conduct crossed the line and added: "I apologize but I am not asking for forgiveness. I have nothing more to add."
The situation escalated during the substitution of Vinicius in the second half as some fans booed him while the struggling winger, who had played 19 matches without scoring any goals, was leaving the field, Simeone was seen laughing and saying to the crowd, "Listen listen."
