Atletico president: Anfield's very old, it wouldn't pass the UEFA inspection

Atlético president Enrique Cerezo said that manager Diego Simeone "would be here for a very long time" and had a light-hearted dig at Liverpool's famous stadium.

Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo spoke about his side’s 1-0 Champions League victory over holders Liverpool on Tuesday night and expressed his satisfaction at the manner of Diego Simeone’s game plan and the result, but warned that the job was only halfway done.

“I always sleep well. There are days when you taste glory and others when you don’t. According to the media, a week ago we were dead and buried and now we are very much alive. They had gone 30 games unbeaten and people were saying they are the best team in the world.

We are happy with the result but we still have another game to go. But we have rediscovered ourselves and that is the best news,” Cerezo said at a presentation for Atlético Femenino player Kenti Robles, who was being handed an award by news agency EFE as the best South American player of the year.

Warming to his theme, Cerezo continued: “He who strikes first strikes hardest. To see our fans so committed to the team was amazing.

It was absolutely spectacular. Anfield is a great stadium but it’s old. It probably wouldn’t pass the UEFA inspection if it had to do it,” the Atlético president, whose pride and joy is the Metropolitano, added in jest.