Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has apologised to Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman after deploying the Nigerian in an unfamiliar position during their La Liga encounter against Villarreal.
Simeone explained that Lookman was required to operate in the role because Atletico were without Alexander Sorloth, who was sidelined by injury, while Julian Alvarez is still regaining his full fitness.
“I have to apologise to Ademola Lookman; I know that’s not his position,” Simeone said.
The Argentine coach acknowledged that the tactical adjustment prevented Lookman from making the most of his attacking qualities, particularly his ability to dribble, score and take on opponents.
“We needed him to help us there because Sorloth is injured and Julián is working his way back to his best form. He’s a great kid and he’s working hard, but he was missing the things he enjoys most: dribbling, scoring goals and taking players on one-on-one”, Someone said.
Simeone, however, praised Lookman’s professionalism and willingness to adapt to the team’s needs despite being asked to play outside his preferred position.
The Atletico boss added that the Nigerian is expected to return to a more natural attacking role once the club’s key forwards are back and available.
“We’ll get him back to doing those things once we have our attacking players available again,” he added.
