Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has apologised to Ademola Lookman for playing the Nigerian forward as a makeshift striker, admitting that the tactical decision has limited the qualities that make him dangerous.
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has apologised to Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman after using him as a makeshift central striker during the club’s opening matches of the 2026/2027 La Liga season.
Simeone admitted that playing Lookman in an unfamiliar role has not allowed the Super Eagles star to display some of his strongest qualities. The Argentine coach explained that the decision was largely forced by Atlético Madrid’s shortage of available natural forwards.
Lookman, who is more accustomed to operating from the wings or as a second striker, was deployed centrally in Atlético Madrid’s opening league fixtures. While the Nigerian has shown his willingness to adapt to the tactical demands of the team, his influence has been noticeably reduced when compared with what he can offer from a wider position.
Speaking after Atlético Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal, Simeone accepted responsibility for the situation and acknowledged that Lookman has been asked to perform a role that does not suit him naturally.
“I have to apologise to Lookman. I know that is not his position,” Simeone said, according to reports on his post-match comments.
The manager explained that Atlético’s current attacking situation left him with limited options. Alexander Sørloth is unavailable because of injury, while Julián Álvarez has been involved in an ongoing situation surrounding his future at the club and has also been working to regain full match fitness following his post-World Cup return.
With those circumstances affecting the club’s attacking options, Simeone turned to Lookman to operate as the central attacking outlet.
The decision was particularly significant because Lookman’s biggest strengths are associated with his ability to attack defenders, exploit spaces from wide areas and use his pace and dribbling to create opportunities. Playing through the middle can restrict some of those qualities because the player has fewer opportunities to isolate defenders in one-on-one situations.
Simeone recognised this and suggested that Lookman will be allowed to return to a more natural position once Atlético Madrid have more attacking options available.
The manager also praised the Nigerian’s attitude for accepting the tactical responsibility despite being asked to play outside his preferred role. Lookman has continued to work for the team, even though the adjustment has not produced the same level of attacking influence expected from him.
The situation has emerged at a difficult time for Atlético Madrid. The club began the new La Liga campaign with a 2-0 victory over Málaga before drawing 2-2 with Villarreal. The victory against Málaga was secured through goals from Lee Kang-in and Álex Baena, but the team’s attacking structure continued to attract attention because of the absence of a fully settled centre-forward. Reuters also reported that the lack of attacking options contributed to Lookman being used as a central striker.
Against Villarreal, Atlético Madrid again struggled to maintain control after taking the lead. The match eventually ended 2-2, with Giuliano Simeone scoring the late equaliser after Villarreal had taken the lead. The result increased pressure on the club to resolve its attacking situation before the transfer window closes.
For Lookman, the manager’s apology could be viewed as an important indication that Atlético Madrid still recognise where the Nigerian is most effective. Rather than questioning the player’s ability, Simeone has made it clear that circumstances have forced him into a position that does not maximise his strengths.
Lookman arrived at Atlético Madrid after establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s leading attacking players. His performances at Atalanta, particularly his memorable hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, helped elevate his international reputation. He was subsequently named African Footballer of the Year.
His ability to carry the ball, beat defenders and contribute goals makes him particularly valuable when he is given freedom to operate in attacking areas. Simeone therefore faces the challenge of finding a system that can accommodate those qualities while also addressing Atlético Madrid’s shortage of recognised strikers.
The club’s situation surrounding Álvarez has added another layer of uncertainty. The Argentine forward has been linked with a move to Barcelona, while Atlético Madrid have maintained their position over his future. The unresolved situation has affected the club’s attacking options at the beginning of the season.
Simeone has also stressed the importance of having reliable forwards if Atlético Madrid are to compete for major trophies. The manager believes the club needs greater attacking depth and has acknowledged the difficulties of competing without a natural centre-forward.
For now, Lookman remains one of the players being asked to help Atlético navigate the situation. However, Simeone’s apology suggests that the manager understands the limitations of continuing to use the Nigerian as a traditional number nine.
If Atlético Madrid can restore their attacking options, Lookman is expected to have more opportunities to return to a role that allows him to use his pace, movement and dribbling ability. For the Nigerian forward, that could be crucial as he seeks to establish himself as an important part of Simeone’s plans.
The coming weeks will therefore be important for both Atlético Madrid and Lookman. While the club searches for greater attacking stability, the Nigerian will hope to return to the position where he can make the biggest impact and demonstrate why Atlético Madrid brought him to Spain.
