The Nigeria forward played only 14 minutes in the win over Levante, but his coach wants him to stay patient, work hard and keep believing.
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Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has backed Ademola Lookman to rediscover his form as the Nigerian forward goes through a difficult spell at the club. Simeone spoke ahead of Atletico’s Champions League game against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Lookman has struggled to match the form he showed after joining Atletico last season. His playing time has also been cut in recent weeks.
The 28 year old played just 14 minutes in Atletico’s 2-0 win over Levante on Saturday. It was another short outing in a run of limited minutes.
Lookman has played the full 90 minutes only once this season, in the opening-day win over Málaga. Fans following the Champions League can also read this Bet9ja promotion code highlights page before the game.
Simeone Urges Patience
Simeone said he has a lot of faith in the forward. He told reporters he does not want Lookman to become frustrated when he is not at his best.
“I have a lot of faith in him,” Simeone said. He called difficult periods a normal part of football and of life.
He also urged Lookman to keep working and believing in what he does. For Simeone, that means patience, effort and belief.
Is the support enough? Words help, but Lookman will want minutes and goals to match them. Anyone curious about promotions can read steps to get a Bet9ja promotion code first.
Glimpses in Europe
Lookman has done better in the Champions League than at home. He has one goal and one assist in three appearances in the competition this season.
Across all competitions, he has two goals and one assist in 14 appearances for Atletico. That is a modest return for a player who scored 20 goals in his last full season at Atalanta.
He joined Atletico from Atalanta in February 2026 on a contract until 2030. He scored important goals in last season’s Champions League run, including one against Barcelona.
Can he deliver against Bayern? Atletico need him sharp, and Tuesday’s match at home is a big chance to change the story. Readers who follow Nigerian players abroad can also claim YOHAIG offer for Champions League fans before kick-off.
Kick-off is at 9 p.m. Nigerian time on Tuesday, November 3, at Atletico’s home ground. A start would be a big statement, while a late cameo would be another reminder of his situation.
For now, Simeone’s message is clear. Lookman must stay patient, and Atletico will hope his form returns soon.
📌 Did You Know?
- Lookman was named CAF African Player of the Year for 2024.
- He scored a hat-trick for Atalanta in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
- Simeone apologised to Lookman in August 2026 for playing him out of position in Atletico’s first two La Liga games.
- Lookman was substituted at half time in three consecutive league games this season, against Espanyol, Alaves and Deportivo.
- He scored on his debut in the Madrid derby, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League after joining Atletico.
- Atletico have already beaten Manchester United in this season’s Champions League.
