SIMEONE’S DECISION TO BENCH LOOKMAN SPARKS DEBATE AMONG ATLETICO FANS
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
Diego Simeone’s confidence in Ademola Lookman appears to be coming under scrutiny after the Atlético Madrid manager left the Nigerian forward on the bench for the entire duration of their defeat to Barcelona, despite having another substitution opportunity.
Simeone had previously publicly backed Lookman, urging him not to lose confidence or become frustrated by his recent dip in form. The Argentine insisted that continued hard work and belief would help the forward regain his best form.
“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,” Simeone said.
However, his decision to leave Lookman unused against Barcelona, even as Atlético struggled to get back into the game, has raised questions about whether the coach’s confidence in the Nigerian is beginning to fade.
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According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Simeone made only four substitutions during the encounter, despite Atlético chasing the game, leaving Lookman out of his plans even though an additional change was available.
The manager kept Julian Alvarez on the pitch for the entire match despite the jeers directed at the forward, while Alexander Sørloth, David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso and Jonathan David were introduced at different stages.
Jonathan David came on in the 78th minute, but Lookman was still overlooked during the closing stages as Atlético searched for an equaliser.
The development is a setback for the Nigerian, who had featured in all 11 of Atlético’s La Liga matches before the Barcelona encounter but managed just one goal, which came in their 3-1 victory over Sevilla in August.
He has also scored once and provided one assist in four UEFA Champions League appearances this season.
Despite the growing concerns surrounding his playing time, Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Atlético have not lost confidence in the 28-year-old.
“No one at Atlético Madrid has lost faith in Ademola Lookman,” the publication reported.
It added that the coaching staff and players remained committed to helping him rediscover his form, rebuild his confidence and improve his morale, stressing that his ability and attitude had never been questioned.
Some Atlético supporters have also come to Lookman’s defence, with one fan arguing that Simeone, rather than the Nigerian forward, should be held responsible for the club’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,” a supporter, Kensuke Qiang, wrote.
Another fan questioned why Lookman was not receiving the same patience afforded to Alvarez, who has also struggled to maintain consistent form at the Spanish 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 has since returned to Nigeria for the international break and will be hoping to inspire the Super Eagles to victories in their crucial double-header against Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
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