Diego Simeone has explained why Ademola Lookman was played out of position against Villarreal, and personally apologised to the Nigerian for the compromise.
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Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has apologised to Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman for deploying him as a makeshift central striker during the club’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal, explaining that injury and fitness issues elsewhere in his squad forced the tactical compromise.
With Alexander Sorloth sidelined through injury and Julian Alvarez still building fitness following his own recovery, Simeone was forced to shift Lookman into a central role he doesn’t naturally occupy, a switch that limited his usual strengths in the wide areas.
“I Apologised To Him In The Locker Room”
Speaking in comments carried by Futbol Fantasy, Simeone said he personally apologised to Lookman in the dressing room, explaining that the position wasn’t naturally his but that he needed his help given Sorloth’s injury and Alvarez’s ongoing recovery. He praised Lookman’s effort and character, describing him as a good guy putting in tremendous work for the team, while acknowledging that the central role kept him from doing what he does best dribbling, scoring and taking on defenders one on one.
Simeone said he intends to return Lookman to his preferred wide role once his squad’s attacking options are back to full fitness, allowing him to share the spaces on the pitch that bring out his best qualities.
