Simeone Backs Lookman to End Atletico Slump

Diego Simeone has told Ademola Lookman to keep dribbling and keep risking the ball, as the Atlético Madrid manager moves to calm worries over the Nigerian’s slow start to the 2026/27 season. As reported by FootballInNigeria.com.ng, Simeone is convinced the winger will come good.

Lookman has scored once in nine appearances across all competitions this term. That’s a thin return for a winger of his reputation.

The doubts grew last weekend. Simeone pulled Lookman off at half-time during Atlético’s 2-1 win away at Alavés, with the game level at 1-1. Jonathan David also made way, and Julián Álvarez and Álex Baena came on.

Lookman had picked up a yellow card late in the first half for a reckless challenge. Sofascore data showed most of his first-half passes went sideways or backwards.

Simeone Refuses To Panic

The Argentine wasn’t interested in writing Lookman off. “Every player goes through their own phases,” he said, as quoted by Into The Calderon. Nobody, he added, can hold a perfect level week after week.

Simeone admitted Lookman isn’t playing the way the club wants to see him right now. He stressed, though, that the winger has already shown what he can do, and that he works every day to become that dribbler again.

With Atlético hosting Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday night, plenty of Nigerian fans will be watching Lookman’s role closely. Those planning to follow the action can look at the YOHAIG promo code before kick-off.

Why Confidence Matters More Than Goals Right Now

Simeone’s advice was simple. Keep taking players on, accept that the ball will be lost sometimes, and keep pushing forward. He described Lookman as a natural goalscorer who has the tools to turn this run around.

That message fits the way Lookman plays. He’s at his most dangerous when he runs straight at defenders, and a forward in a dry spell often starts choosing the safe pass. The sideways passing in the first half at Alavés fit that pattern.

Can a manager’s trust be enough to end a goal drought? It often helps more than a lecture does. A player who knows he’ll keep his place tends to shoot earlier and try the harder dribble.

Atlético haven’t struggled as a team in La Liga. They’ve won four league games in a row, one of them against Real Madrid, though they lost their Champions League opener to Liverpool. Lookman’s form sits awkwardly alongside that run.

Supporters weighing up a bet on this weekend’s La Liga fixtures can check today’s Bet9ja promo code first.

What Lookman Needs Next

Tuesday’s Champions League night gives Lookman a big stage to answer his doubters. Manchester United arrive in Madrid after beating Sabah 4-0 in their opening league phase game.

Then comes Saturday’s La Liga game against Espanyol, a fixture where a goal would do wonders for his confidence. A scrappy finish would do the job just as well as a spectacular one.

Super Eagles fans keen to back Nigerians in Europe this weekend can use the Bet9ja sign-up offer before the fixtures start.

For now, Simeone’s message is clear. Lookman has his manager’s backing, and the next few weeks will show whether he can turn it into goals.