'It's the mouth that kills the fish' - Diego Simeone silent in face of Pep Guardiola barbs ahead of Atletico v Man City

Diego Simeone refused to be drawn into a war of words with Pep Guardiola ahead of Atletico Madrid's Champions League quarter-final second leg with Manchester City on Wednesday night. City boss Guardiola hinted at his displeasure at Simeone's defensive system during last week's first leg at the Etihad Stadium — which City won 1-0 — describing Atleti as playing a «5-5» shape as they threw men behind the ball.

Ad/> It's a barb Simeone has grown used to hearing over the years and he refrained from adding fuel to the fire by instead quoting a Spanish fishing proverb that hinted at what can happen if you disparage others. FootballOpinion: Liverpool-Man City rivalry lacks key ingredients, but that can quickly change16 HOURS AGO Speaking on the eve of the encounter at the Wanda Metropolitano, 'El Cholo' said: “I have been coaching since 2005 and I always say the same thing: I never do [comment], I am never disrespectful with colleagues of mine.

«I put myself in the position of the coaches I compete against and I understand that there are different ways of expressing what you feel as a coach. “When someone does not appreciate a colleague, I don’t share that.

Real Madrid are magic, it's the only explanation — The Warm-Up Tuchel slams ref for ‘smiling and laughing loud’ with Ancelotti Man Utd set for squad mutiny after Pogba offered record contract — Paper Round »Others’ opinions — press, ex-players, people who haven’t been in the game a long time — I’ll say what my dad always said: 'Por la boca muere el pez' [it's the mouth that kills the fish]. «Words are free and we can all express an opinion.