Brendan Rodgers relishes Celtic introduction vs Atletico Madrid as he raves about Diego Simeone

The Atleti boss’ animated approach is wildly at odds’ with Rodgers but he’s well aware Argentine is up there with the best.

Brendan Rodgers doesn’t believe the touchline performance art of Diego Simeone will play a part in putting Champions League points on the board.

The Celtic boss will face a career first when he pits his wits against the Man in Black on Wednesday night – and admits the theatrics of his counterpart are a world apart from his own. It’s just that the human windmill approach isn’t for him. A calm and studious demeanour is the Northern Irishman’s preferred code of dugout conduct – not the furious gestures and hyper-active bundle of boiling rage that are the trademark of the long-serving Atletico Madrid boss.

As the Hoops prepare to try and breathe some life into Group E of a Champions League campaign that is two games down without a point, nothing less than a win over the La Liga side will enhance any prospects of progressing into the knockout stage.

“This will be the first time I’ve ever come across Simeone. When I was going for the title at Liverpool, he was going for the title at Atletico and that was when I first took a real notice of him. He’s done a fantastic job there and has some really good players.”

Atletico Madrid will bring their counter-attacking football and a dogged defensive block to Glasgow. And Rodgers believes nothing but Celtic’s best on the night will be enough against a side who, once again, have been imperious in La Liga so far this season.

Rodgers said: “Simeone’s been brilliant. The longevity in the game, to be at one club for that length of time, tells you everything in terms of his success.

“He’s always had a bit of criticism because of his style but he’ll only be concerned about winning and he’s shown over time he can do that. He’s done a fantastic job. He’s a former player who’s gone in knowing what it means to the people and he’s brought them success.

“They’ve got top-class players. They played 4-4-2 for a number of years under Diego then changed in this last little bit to 3-5-2. They’ll be well-organised and hard to beat.