Diego Simeone breaks his silence on Ademola Lookman's situation with Atlético Madrid!

Diego Simeone, the manager of Atlético Madrid, has shed light on why Ademola Lookman has struggled to settle in since arriving at the club this season, acknowledging that the Nigerian forward is presently being fielded in a role that doesn't suit him, according to Soccernet.ng.

So far, the 28-year-old has been named in Atlético's starting lineup for both of their opening La Liga fixtures in the 2026/27 campaign. However, the Super Eagles star has yet to register a goal or an assist, having been asked to operate as a centre-forward.

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That same position was handed to the Nigerian during Sunday's 2-2 stalemate with Villarreal, which came on the back of his outing up front in the opening-day win over Málaga.

Diego Simeone admits that Ademola Lookman is playing out of position

Diego Simeone addressed questions regarding Gallagher's role in the team and the primary reason for playing him out of position. He explained that the decision was driven by team needs, tactical considerations, and Sørloth's injury, as well as the situation surrounding Julián Álvarez and his absence due to his transfer saga.

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.

Diego Simeone stated to Football Fantasy.

Simeone promises to restore Ademola Lookman to his natural position

Fortunately for Lookman, this arrangement is only a stopgap — one that will last until Sørloth is back in the fold and Julián Álvarez's wish to depart the Metropolitano has been settled.

"He's missing what he enjoys, which is dribbling, scoring goals, and taking on defenders one-on-one," Simeone remarked, reflecting on Lookman's stint as a number nine.

"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," the 2014 La Liga winner concluded.

For Lookman, that means once Sørloth is available again and Álvarez's situation is resolved, he can finally find his rhythm and enjoy a far more fruitful run of form. Until then, patience is the name of the game.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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