Diego Simeone Apologises to Ademola Lookman After Playing Him Out of Position Against Villarreal

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has revealed that he apologised to Nigeria international Ademola Lookman after deploying him out of position in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

Simeone started the Super Eagles winger as an out-and-out centre-forward at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, despite Lookman being more comfortable operating in wider attacking positions.

Following the draw on Sunday, the Argentine coach admitted that Lookman had been asked to sacrifice his natural role for the benefit of the team.

“I 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.’ Simeone said via Futbol Fantasy.

“I understand, and I know him, that he’s a good guy. He’s putting in a tremendous effort, especially in the team’s work,” he added.

“He’s missing what he enjoys, which is dribbling, scoring goals, and taking on defenders one-on-one. 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,” he concluded.