Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has expressed confidence in Ademola Lookman ahead of their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, urging the Nigerian forward to remain patient despite his difficult start to the season, Bold sports reports.
Lookman has recorded two goals and one assist in 14 appearances across all competitions this season. However, his latest LaLiga appearance offered little improvement. He came off the bench in Atletico’s 2-0 victory over Levante on October 31. The 29-year-old played just 14 minutes in the encounter. His only league goal came against Sevilla in August.
Simeone expresses confidence in Lookman
Speaking at Monday’s press conference ahead of Atletico Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich, Simeone addressed Lookman’s struggles.
The Atletico boss acknowledged that the Nigerian has yet to reach his desired level. However, he referenced Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann as examples of players who overcame difficult periods.
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“Well, I don’t know if you spoke with him personally, if he’s playing somewhere he doesn’t want to be. The truth is, I think his season didn’t start the way he would have liked, but Julián also went through a difficult time last year and then came out on top, and Griezmann, remember, when he wasn’t scoring goals, he came back.”
Simeone also highlighted Lookman’s individual qualities. He believes the forward’s ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations remains valuable to Atletico’s attacking approach.
“We believe, as I’ve been saying in almost every press conference about Lookman, in the importance he has for us, because he’s one of the players who has the most one-on-one duels in the final third, in the closing stages, where, obviously, a goal can come.”
Lookman’s Champions League contributions
Despite his struggles for regular playing time, Lookman has made contributions in Europe’s premier club competition.
He has recorded one goal and one assist in three Champions League appearances this season. However, he has yet to earn a starting position in the competition.
The Nigerian came off the bench against Liverpool, Manchester United and Stuttgart. He scored against Manchester United before providing an assist against Stuttgart.
His Champions League contributions offer encouragement amid his difficulties in domestic competition.
Atletico manager urges Nigerian to remain patient
Simeone insists that Lookman must continue working hard rather than allow his current situation to affect his confidence.
“I have a lot of faith in him. I don’t want him to get frustrated because he’s not going through his best moment, because it’s part of life, part of the game, part of football.”
The Atletico manager believes consistent effort will eventually produce better performances and attacking returns.
He added: “This is work, this is believing in what you do.”
For Lookman, the challenge now is to translate his European contributions into consistent domestic performances.
With Atletico preparing for their Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich, the Nigerian will hope to earn more opportunities and justify his manager’s continued confidence.
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