Diego Simeone, the Atlético Madrid coach, has publicly backed Ademola Lookman before the Champions League match against Bayern Munich. The Nigerian forward has scored only two goals in 14 appearances this season.
Ahead of the trip to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Diego Simeone spoke at a press conference to defend Ademola Lookman. According to Daily Post and Apex Football, the coach was keen to show his support for a player going through a difficult spell.
The numbers confirm this drought: two goals in 14 appearances in all competitions this season, and just one goal in his last 11 matches, according to Apex Football. Last season, after arriving from Atalanta in the winter transfer window, he scored 9 goals and provided 4 assists in 24 appearances, reports Naija News.
Simeone shows his confidence
Asked about his forward’s situation, Diego Simeone said: “I have a lot of confidence in him. I don’t want him to get frustrated because he is not going through his best moment, because that is part of life, of the game, of football,” according to Daily Post and Apex Football.
To back up his point, the coach cited Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann, two players who went through difficult spells before rediscovering their best form, according to Naija News. Lookman, for his part, has not yet started a Champions League match this season.
A European past that speaks for him
In 2024, Lookman handed Atalanta the Europa League title with a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, and finished 14th in the Ballon d’Or, according to Goal.com. A record that contrasts with his current situation.
This season, in the Champions League, he has registered two goal contributions. He has not yet started and has come on against Liverpool, Manchester United and Stuttgart, according to Naija News.
Bayern, a particular context
In the summer of 2025, Bayern Munich tried to sign Lookman, offering a loan with an option to buy for €28 million. Atalanta were asking for around €50 million, according to Goal.com.
Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid therefore meet in the Champions League, on the Munich pitch.