Ademola Lookman has opened up on his relationship with Diego Simeone, revealing that he continues to learn a great deal under the Atletico Madrid manager despite a rocky start to the new La Liga season.
The Super Eagles winger spoke warmly of the Argentine coach shortly after ending a two-game goal drought in Atletico’s 3-1 win at Sevilla, a result that also followed a rare public apology from Simeone over his earlier use of the Nigerian.
Lookman had endured a difficult opening to the campaign, going without a goal or an assist in the first two league fixtures against Malaga and Villarreal after being deployed as an emergency centre-forward. Consequently, Simeone found himself forced into the improvisation due to the unavailability of Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth, and the Argentine later admitted publicly that playing Lookman through the middle was never his intended plan for the Nigerian.
Following this candid admission, the Atletico boss further affirmed his confidence in the player, describing him as a good professional who has been putting in a tremendous effort for the team.
However, Lookman’s response to the gesture spoke volumes about the dressing room dynamic under Simeone. Speaking to ESPN after the win over Sevilla, the 28 year old praised playing under his manager as a great experience, noting that learning from him and his coaching staff was important for his continued development and the team’s progress. As a result, the exchange between player and coach appeared to reset the terms of their relationship following a testing start to the season.
The psychological reset was quickly matched by a tactical one, as Simeone restored Lookman to his preferred left-wing role for the trip to Sevilla. Therefore, the Nigerian wasted little time making his mark, finding space inside the box before finishing low into the bottom corner in the first half to end his goal drought. Furthermore, the goal came as Atletico raced into a first-half blitz that ultimately secured a 3-1 victory and sent Simeone’s side top of the table.
Since his arrival at the club from Atalanta in a deadline day move earlier in the year, Lookman has consistently impressed under Simeone, scoring on his debut in a Copa del Rey rout of Real Betis before going on to provide several assists in the second half of last season. Moreover, his versatility has been repeatedly highlighted by his manager, who has previously described him as a different type of player capable of operating across multiple attacking positions.
Lookman’s public show of trust in Simeone offers reassurance that his early-season struggles were rooted in tactical circumstance rather than any deeper issue at the club. Nevertheless, his continued development under one of European football’s most demanding coaches is expected to further sharpen the qualities that have made him one of Nigeria’s most important attacking players.
In addition, a settled and in-form Lookman strengthens the Super Eagles’ attacking options as the team continues preparations for its upcoming international assignments, where his composure in front of goal will remain vital.
Lookman and Atletico Madrid will look to build on their winning momentum when they host Athletic Club in their next league fixture, with the Nigerian aiming to add to his growing understanding with Simeone’s system.
Meanwhile, further minutes and goals are likely to strengthen his case as a first-choice starter, particularly with the futures of Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth still subject to speculation. For now, however, Lookman’s renewed alignment with his manager appears to have set the tone for a promising campaign at the Wanda Metropolitano.
