Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has today, Monday 24th August 2026, apologised to Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman for playing him out of position during their 2–2 draw against Villarreal.
Speaking to the media, Simeone openly addressed the situation:
I have to apologize to Lookman; I know that’s not his position,” Simeone said.
The Argentine coach explained that injuries to Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez’s gradual return to full fitness forced him to use Lookman as a No. 9.
Simeone acknowledged that the role limits some of Lookman’s biggest strengths, including his ability to dribble, take on defenders, create chances, and score goals from wider attacking areas.
The situation with injuries has made us use him there, but we know his best qualities come when he plays in his natural position.
Softfootball gathered that Lookman was started as a striker, where he was visibly struggling, unable to fully express his usual attacking influence.
However, with Sørloth and Álvarez still working toward full fitness, Lookman could continue playing in the forward role for a couple of weeks, depending on squad availability.
