Diego Simeone’s faith in Ademola Lookman is facing fresh questions after the Atlético Madrid coach left the Nigerian forward on the bench throughout his side’s defeat to Barcelona, despite having another substitution available.
Simeone had previously backed Lookman to overcome his dip in form, urging the 28-year-old not to become frustrated and insisting that hard work and belief would help him regain his confidence.
“I don’t want him to get frustrated because he’s not going through his best moment. This is work, this is believing in what you do,” the Argentine said.
However, his decision to overlook the Nigerian in the Barcelona encounter has raised questions about whether his confidence in the forward is beginning to waver.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Simeone made only four substitutions despite Atlético chasing the game, leaving Lookman unused even with an additional change available.
The coach kept Julian Alvarez on the pitch for the entire match despite jeers directed at the forward, while Alexander Sørloth, David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso and Jonathan David were introduced during three separate substitution windows.
David came on in the 78th minute, but Lookman was not considered for the remaining minutes as Atlético searched for a way back into the contest.
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The decision represents a frustrating development for the Nigerian, who had featured in all 11 of Atlético’s LaLiga matches before the Barcelona encounter but managed just one goal, scored in their 3-1 victory over Sevilla in August. He has also recorded one goal and one assist in four Champions League appearances this season.
Despite concerns over his playing time, Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Atlético have not lost faith in the Nigerian international.
“No one at Atlético Madrid has lost faith in Ademola Lookman.
“Both the coaching staff and the dressing room are united in their determination to help him rediscover his best form and, above all, regain his confidence and morale. Nobody doubts his ability, and his attitude has never been called into question,” the publication reported.
Some Atlético supporters have also defended Lookman, with one fan arguing that Simeone, rather than the Nigerian, should take responsibility for the team’s struggles.
“The thing is Lookman was great last season because he was new and hadn’t been coached by Simeone yet, similar situation with Kang in even all the players, you should only lose faith in Simeone not anyone,” Kensuke Qiang wrote.
Another supporter questioned why Lookman was not receiving the same patience as Alvarez, who has also experienced difficult moments at the club.
“Julian wanted a new club a few months ago, started and played like shit. Why can’t Lookman get the same grace?” the supporter queried.
Lookman is back in Nigeria for the international break and will hope to regain his confidence and inspire the Super Eagles to victories in their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.
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