'Next time I’ll have the €300m team' – Riera after heated handshake with Raffaele Palladino

What started as a handshake quickly turned into a verbal confrontation between Albert Riera and Raffaele Palladino, and the scene has since caught the attention of Italian and Spanish media outlets.

Following Celje’s elimination by Fiorentina in the UEFA Europa Conference League, Albert Riera, known for his fiery personality and fearless approach, once again found himself in the spotlight — this time due to a post-match spat with the Italian side’s head coach.

According to Riera, the tension began during the routine handshake when Palladino allegedly told him he "talks too much." That didn't sit well with the Spaniard, who fired back — not just in the moment, but also in the post-match press conference.

"I don’t want to speak badly about my colleague. We’re a €13 million Slovenian team, and they’re worth €300 million. When I went to shake his hand, he told me I talk too much. What should I have told him — that he’s handsome and strong?" Riera said.

"He needs to understand that he’s younger than me and has a lot to learn. This wasn’t a good moment, but football always gives you another chance. Maybe next time I’ll have a €300 million team and he’ll be the one with a €13 million squad."

A mismatch in numbers — and in attitude?

Riera's remarks appear to be based on Transfermarkt valuations, where Fiorentina’s squad is estimated at €282 million, compared to Celje’s modest €13.5 million.

"I didn’t like what he said. And with that kind of mindset, you’re not going to win much," Riera added, suggesting Palladino had disrespected both him and his team’s achievement.

The incident is the latest in a series of feisty exchanges involving Riera during Celje’s European campaign, in which the Slovenian champions earned widespread respect for their brave and competitive performances — despite the financial gulf that separates them from most opponents.