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| Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and his winger, Ademola Lookman. |
Key Takeaways
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has apologised to Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman for playing him as a makeshift central striker instead of his preferred wide position.
Simeone explained that injuries and uncertainty surrounding the club’s forwards forced the tactical change, with Alexander Sørloth injured and Julián Álvarez pushing for an exit.
The Argentine coach said Lookman will return to the flanks when more forwards become available, allowing him to dribble, take on defenders and score goals.
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has apologised to Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman for deploying him as a makeshift central striker, admitting that the Nigerian has sacrificed his preferred position to help the team.
Simeone said a shortage of available forwards forced him to use Lookman through the middle. Alexander Sørloth is currently injured, while Julián Álvarez is reportedly pushing for an exit, leaving the Nigerian to lead the attack.
The Argentine coach revealed that he apologised to Lookman in the dressing room after acknowledging the sacrifice the 28-year-old has made for the team.
Simeone praised Lookman’s attitude and willingness to adapt despite playing in a role that does not suit his natural strengths.
“I apologised 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, according to Futbol Fantasy.
The Atlético boss admitted that playing centrally has prevented Lookman from operating in the areas where he is most dangerous.
Simeone described the Nigerian as a player who thrives on dribbling, running at defenders, scoring goals and taking opponents on in one-on-one situations.
“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 said.
“He’s missing what he enjoys, which is dribbling, scoring goals, and taking on defenders one-on-one.”
Simeone assured that Lookman will return to a wider attacking role once Atlético have more options in attack.
The coach believes the Super Eagles star will be able to rediscover his best form when he is given the freedom to operate from the flanks.
“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,” Simeone added.