Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has apologised to Ademola Lookman after admitting that the Super Eagles forward has been forced to play in an unfamiliar position during the club’s opening matches of the new La Liga season.
Lookman started as a central striker in Atletico’s first two league games, despite being more comfortable operating from wider attacking areas or as a second striker.
The Nigerian was again deployed through the middle during Sunday’s 2 2 draw against Villarreal, as Simeone dealt with a shortage of natural centre forwards.
After the match, the Argentine coach acknowledged that asking Lookman to lead the attack was not ideal and accepted responsibility for the decision.
Simeone explained that injuries and the current situation surrounding Julian Alvarez had left him with limited options in attack. Alexander Sorloth was unavailable, while Alvarez was not being relied upon as a starter, leaving Lookman to fill the gap.
“I have to apologise to Lookman. I know that is not his position,” Simeone said.
The Atletico boss added that the Nigerian had been asked to help the team because of the circumstances surrounding the squad.
Lookman had also played as a No. 9 in Atletico’s opening league fixture against Malaga, which ended in a 2 0 victory. Although Atletico secured maximum points, the former Atalanta forward was unable to find the net.
The situation continued against Villarreal, with Lookman again starting through the middle as Atletico struggled to create enough clear opportunities before eventually settling for a draw.
Simeone’s comments suggest that Lookman’s role could change once Atletico regain more options in attack.
The club are dealing with Alexander Sorloth’s injury, while Julian Alvarez’s situation has complicated the manager’s selection decisions. Simeone has also stressed the importance of having a natural striker available as Atletico attempt to compete for major honours this season.
The positional issue comes at an important stage of his Atletico career. The Nigeria international arrived at the Madrid club after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking players, particularly during his successful spell with Atalanta.
His best performances have generally come when he has the freedom to attack from the left or operate closer to goal rather than being asked to play as a traditional target man.
Despite the slow start, Simeone clearly remains confident in Lookman’s qualities. The decision to use him centrally reflects the trust the manager has in his versatility rather than any indication that the Nigerian has permanently changed positions.
With Atletico searching for greater attacking balance and the transfer window still open, the situation could change in the coming days.
Until then, Lookman may have to continue adapting to Simeone’s demands, although the manager’s public apology suggests he understands that the Nigerian is being asked to perform outside his natural role.
