Jurgen Klopp says he has no problem with Diego Simeone's unwillingness to shake hands as Liverpool get set to host Atletico Madrid.
The Reds know a win against Simeone's side will see them qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare in Group B on Wednesday night.
In the corresponding fixture at the Wanda Metropolitano two weeks ago, Simeone angered Klopp by refusing to part-take in the post-match pleasantries after a win for Liverpool.
Simeone detailed his reasons why in his Tuesday press conference, saying he prefers not to entertain "the falseness" of the traditional show of sportsmanship.
Klopp says he is fine with that as he gets ready to pit his wits against the intense Argentinian coach once more at Anfield.
"So [what Simeone said] is exactly how it is," Klopp said.
"I respect what Diego is doing a lot and I said that before and after the game.
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"As private people we cannot speak about each other.
"We can, of course, but we don't know each other pretty well, so that is the case.
"But I couldn't respect what he is doing more at Atletico and for how long he is doing it.
"It is absolutely exceptional against a lot of really strong sides, being in such a good position year after year, that is pretty impressive.
"Was there a question about the handshake in there?
"OK, so it is how I said after the game [in Madrid], if I would have known before the game he doesn't do it then I wouldn't have tried it.
"I tried it and then I was waving or whatever, that was unnecessary from me, I was really not happy with that.
"But how I know, we are both emotional and that was my emotion then.
"It was not necessary but now I know he doesn't want to [shake hands] after the game, so no problem.
"Before the game, we can shake hands and we will probably do that before the game, I assume.
"But after it, not. That is fine. Absolutely no problem and then we can all go home happily in that department."
Liverpool have picked up maximum points in their three games to date, beating AC Milan and Porto prior to the 3-2 victory in the Spanish capital last month.
Klopp added: "In between those two handshakes it is a very important game for us and I am much more concerned about that. It will be a tough one.
"We know that, but it's our home ground and we want other teams to feel that, too. We want to create a very special atmosphere tomorrow in a highly emotional game.
"It is not only the managers who are emotional but also the players are determined to fight for everything and that is what we will see tomorrow.
"It is a massive game against a super side but we are not too bad as well."
