Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone apologises to Ademola Lookman over unfamiliar role

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has revealed that he apologised to Nigeria international Ademola Lookman after deploying the forward out of position in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

Simeone started Lookman as an out-and-out centre-forward at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, despite the Nigerian being more comfortable operating in wider attacking positions.

Following the draw, the Argentine coach acknowledged that Lookman had been asked to sacrifice his preferred role to help the team cope with their current shortage of available forwards.

“I apologized to Ademola Lookman, first, in the locker room, telling him: ‘I know it’s not your place, you were supposed to help us because right now Alexander Sørloth is injured, Julián Álvarez is recovering very well, and he’s the one helping us,’” Simeone said via Futbol Fantasy.

“I understand, and I know him, that he’s a good guy. He’s putting in a tremendous effort, especially in the team’s work,” he added.

Simeone also admitted that playing Lookman through the middle has limited some of the qualities that make the Nigerian such a dangerous attacking player.

“He’s missing what he enjoys, which is dribbling, scoring goals, and taking on defenders one-on-one. And we’re going to give him that back, obviously, when we have the forwards available to share those spaces on the field that make us better as a team,” he concluded.

Lookman joined Atletico Madrid after establishing himself as one of the most influential Nigerian attackers in European football. His ability to operate from wide areas and take on defenders has been a key part of his game.

Simeone’s comments suggest that the decision to use him centrally is largely a temporary solution until Atletico regain more options in attack, particularly with Sørloth injured and Álvarez continuing his recovery.

The coach’s apology also underlines his recognition of Lookman’s preferred role and his intention to restore the Nigerian to a position where he can express his attacking qualities more freely once Atletico’s forward options improve.