Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has thrown his weight behind Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, insisting he remains confident in the Super Eagles star despite his difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign.
The Argentine tactician has urged the 28-year-old not to become frustrated by his current situation, maintaining that he has the quality to rediscover his best form and become an influential figure in Atletico’s attack.
Lookman arrived in Madrid with considerable expectations following his impressive performances at Atalanta, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking players. However, his latest campaign has been more challenging, with limited playing time and inconsistent goal contributions raising questions about his place in Simeone’s plans.
The Nigerian has recorded two goals and one assist in 14 appearances across all competitions this season, a return that falls short of the standards he established during his previous spell in Italy.
His situation has become more noticeable in recent weeks, particularly as his opportunities to start matches have reduced. Lookman featured for just 14 minutes in Atletico’s 2-0 victory over Levante on Saturday, October 31, further highlighting his struggle to secure a regular place in the starting line-up.
Despite the growing pressure, Simeone has made it clear that he has no intention of losing faith in the Nigerian international.
Speaking ahead of Atletico’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich, the manager acknowledged that Lookman had not enjoyed the start he would have wanted but insisted that similar situations had previously been experienced by other important players in his squad.
Simeone specifically pointed to Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann, explaining that both forwards had endured difficult periods before eventually recovering their form.
“He didn’t start as he would have liked, but last season Julián also went through that and came out of it. And Griezmann too,” the Atletico manager said.
The Argentine also highlighted Lookman’s ability to take on defenders in attacking areas, particularly his effectiveness in one-on-one situations in the final third.
According to Simeone, the Nigerian remains one of the team’s most important players in that aspect of the game, and his ability to create danger against opposing defenders is something Atletico cannot afford to overlook.
“I trust him a lot. I don’t want him to get frustrated because he’s not going through his best moment. It’s part of life, part of the game, part of football,” he added.
The manager’s comments represent an important show of support for Lookman, whose attacking qualities remain highly valued despite his current difficulties.
Simeone also expressed confidence that the forward would eventually find the goal that could help restore his confidence and improve his performances.
Lookman’s struggles have been particularly noticeable when compared with the impact he made after joining Atletico from Atalanta during the January transfer window.
The Nigerian quickly adapted to his new surroundings and became an important attacking option, finishing the second half of the previous campaign with nine goals and four assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.
His ability to combine pace, dribbling, creativity and intelligent movement made him an attractive option for Simeone, who was looking to strengthen his team’s attacking threat.
However, maintaining that level of performance has proved more difficult this season.
One of the challenges has been his positioning. Lookman was initially deployed as a centre-forward during Atletico’s opening league fixtures, a role that differed from his preferred position on the left side of the attack.
Simeone subsequently acknowledged that the tactical decision had not been ideal, with the Nigerian finding it difficult to produce his best performances in an unfamiliar role.
Although he returned to a more natural attacking position, consistency has remained a challenge, while competition for places has made regular appearances harder to secure.
Nevertheless, the Champions League has offered some encouragement.
Lookman has registered one goal and one assist in three appearances in the competition, showing that he remains capable of making decisive contributions against strong European opposition.
His goal against Manchester United and assist against Stuttgart have provided reminders of the attacking quality that convinced Atletico to bring him to Spain.
However, those contributions have largely come from substitute appearances, leaving the Nigerian with the additional challenge of convincing Simeone that he deserves a regular starting position.
The coach’s latest comments suggest that he remains an important part of Atletico’s plans, but public backing alone will not guarantee more playing time.
Lookman will need to translate his attacking influence into consistent performances, improve his goal contribution and make the most of the opportunities presented to him.
For the Super Eagles forward, the immediate objective is to regain the confidence and attacking sharpness that made him one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.
Simeone has made his position clear: he believes in Lookman’s ability and expects him to work through the difficult period rather than allow frustration to affect his confidence.
The responsibility now rests with the Nigerian to turn that confidence into performances and remind Atletico supporters why the club brought him to Madrid.
