AFCON 2025
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has thrown his support behind Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman amid a dip in form, insisting he remains confident in the 28-year-old’s ability to rediscover his best performances.
Simeone offered the reassurance on Monday during a press conference ahead of Atlético Madrid’s UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester United, acknowledging that Lookman has yet to reach the level expected of him by both the player and the club.
“Ademola isn’t at the level he wants or we want, but he works hard every day. He’s a dribbler, and he needs to lose the ball sometimes,” Simeone said. “I believe in him.”
The Argentine tactician urged Lookman to remain confident in his attacking instincts, stressing that taking risks and attempting to beat opponents are essential parts of his game.
Simeone acknowledged that fluctuations in performance are inevitable in football, noting that even the best players cannot maintain their peak level throughout an entire season.
“Every player goes through their own phases. Obviously, I don’t think there’s a player who can maintain a level of ten all the time. There’s always a dip,” he explained.
The Atlético boss added that Lookman must continue to express himself on the ball and trust in the qualities that convinced the Spanish club to bring him in.
“He needs to keep dribbling, he needs to lose the ball, he needs to keep pushing forward, because he’ll do well, because he’s got what it takes and because he’s a goalscorer,” Simeone said.
Lookman, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, has struggled to deliver consistent attacking contributions this season after an encouraging finish to the previous campaign following his move from Atalanta.
The Nigerian international has scored just once in La Liga this term. He was also substituted at half-time during Atlético’s 2-1 victory over Alavés on Saturday, with the score level at 1-1 at the interval.
Despite the recent difficulties, Simeone’s comments suggest that Lookman retains the backing of his manager, who believes the forward has the quality to overcome his current struggles.
Atlético Madrid will host Manchester United at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday in the Champions League league phase, with Lookman hoping to make an impact as he looks to regain his confidence and attacking sharpness.
