'I love rebellious players' - Simeone on Felix's angry goal celebration

The Portuguese caused a bit of stir on Sunday by turning towards the Atleti bench and putting a finger to his lips after scoring the opener.

Diego Simeone has no problem with Joao Felix’s angry goal celebration and instead has welcomed it, saying he “loves it when players rebel”.

Felix was dropped from the Atletico Madrid starting XI against Villarreal after his rather uninfluential performance in the defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League.

It was the second time in three matches that the club’s record signing was not included in the line-up.

The Portuguese forward came off the bench in Sunday’s La Liga match to replace the injured Thomas Lemar – and he made sure to make his mark this time.

Felix got on the scoresheet to inspire his side to a 2-0 victory over Villarreal and put them five points clear at the top of the table.

The 21-year-old looked unimpressed after scoring, gesturing and shouting in the direction of the Atletico bench.

🎯 Fantastic goal from João Félix to put Atlético Madrid 2-0 up.

Interesting celebration also, looked like he was releasing a lot of frustration with that one. He was on the bench for the first half of today’s match.

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— Próxima Jornada (@ProximaJornada1) February 28, 2021

“When you talk to Joao ask him. When I can talk to him in training I can ask him and they will ask me later,” responded Simeone, laughing, when asked about Felix’s gesture, via AS.

“I love rebellious players, who have pride and want to change situations. He hadn’t scored for a long time, the team needed him, the team needs him and he needs the team. When the team players are rebellious and proud, give them to me!”

“He scored a great goal. He entered very well, he responded to what the team needed and that is what we want from him. I love it when the players rebel and are strong. We need it like this.”