Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid coach, has publicly backed Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian forward struggling in front of goal (2 goals in 14 matches this season). The manager says he has great faith in his player.
Ademola Lookman is going through a tough spell at Atlético Madrid. The Nigerian forward has scored only 2 goals in 14 appearances in all competitions this season, according to Daily Post and Punch NG. A drought that has not shaken his coach’s confidence, and he has spoken out publicly to defend his player.
Last Saturday, in Atlético’s 2-0 win over Levante, Lookman played only 14 minutes. Limited playing time, with his form in front of goal disappointing, according to Punch NG. It is in this context that Simeone insisted on reaffirming his support for the forward.
Public backing
Diego Simeone stressed the trust he places in his forward: “I have great faith in him. I don’t want him to get frustrated because he’s not going through his best moment, because that’s part of life, of the game, of football,” he said, according to Daily Post and Punch NG.
The coach also recalled that Lookman is among the players who attempt the most one-on-one duels in the final third, according to Punch NG.
The backing comes as the forward has scored only once in his last 11 matches, according to Daily Post. In the Champions League, he still has one goal and one assist in three outings this season, according to Punch.
Álvarez and Griezmann as examples
To illustrate his player’s start to the season, Diego Simeone cited two members of his squad: Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann. “He didn’t start the way he would have wanted, but last season Julian went through the same thing and came out of it. And Griezmann too,” he explained, according to Punch NG.
Simeone thus cites two players who went through difficult periods before returning to their best. He does not want Lookman to lose heart in the face of the situation.
Bayern in sight
Atlético Madrid will soon face Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Lookman already has one goal and one assist in the competition this season, according to Punch.