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Diego Simeone described his reaction as natural after he confronted a supporter following Liverpool scored a last-gasp winner to defeat his team 3-2.

The head coach, who was sent off by the official, stated he had been targeted by non-stop abuse throughout the fixture and his emotions reached a peak once Virgil van Dijk scored.

“As coaches where we lack the right to respond or react,” the Argentine tactician remarked. “However, when there are comments against us, racism or offensive words, we can get angry or fight back. Therefore, if someone insults us all the game, when they scored, he faced me and verbally attacked me. I’m human, I am human.”

The manager avoided detailing whether the remarks were discriminatory, stating: “I won’t discuss the exact nature of the insults. I prefer not to get involved into that discussion. I must stay in my role. I know what went on behind the manager’s bench. It’s not my job to fix broader issues in one press conference. I have to live with it.”

It is the fifth time this season that Liverpool have secured a win with a last-minute strike, providing a perfect gesture to mark head coach Arne Slot’s 47th birthday.

“It’s impossible to be 100% sure,” the Liverpool boss said, “however, I’m confident that we are so fit that we are able to push one more time. What I can assure you, whether we don’t score, we will attempt to push for it. It’s the mindset this team has.”

Slot continued, “It should not only be about mentality, but also how prepared we are, how thoroughly conditioned we are throughout the recent period that they are able to push until the end.”

Slot also remarked about celebrating his birthday on a Champions League night for the second consecutive season, adding that he would prefer to celebrate the following occasion with friends and family.