Duro Ikhazuagbe
After playing Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, out of position in Atletico Madrid’s first two games of the 2026/2027 La Liga season, Manager, Diego Simeone, has apologized to the Nigerian.
Lookman who is now playing in the unfamiliar top striking role because of the absence of Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez who are both recuperating from injuries, has fired blanks in both games.
Alvarez who played in Atletico’s second game of the new season against former Samuel Chukwueze’s Villarreal, was booed by his own fans amid speculation about his future as his side drew 2-2 with Villarreal.
The Argentine international striker had said during the World Cup that he wants to leave Atletico to “fulfil my dream”, and has since been linked with moves to Arsenal and Barcelona ahead of transfer deadline day on 1 September.
But after the game at their home ground at the Metropolitano Stadium, Simeone apologized to Lookman.
“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.
The Argentine manager praised Lookman’s effort and team contribution but acknowledged that the Nigerian has been unable to fully showcase his strengths.
“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.
The Atletico boss said Lookman thrives on dribbling, scoring goals and taking on defenders one-on-one, promising to restore him to a more suitable role once the club’s forwards are available.
“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.
The former Atalanta forward has endured a slow start to the campaign, failing to score in Atlético Madrid’s opening two matches against Málaga and now Villarreal. His struggles have been attributed to a change in position, with the Nigeria international deployed as a centre-forward in both matches.
With the summer transfer window about to end, it is expected that the Atletico manager will be keen to retain his available strikers and restore Lookman to his preferred support striking role.