Atletico de Madrid forward Ademola Lookman (Photo by Stefan Koops / NurPhoto via AFP)
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has admitted that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is struggling to rediscover his best form, but insists the Nigerian is working hard to regain his sharpness ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester United, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
“Lookman isn’t playing the way he wants to be and we want to see him, but he works every day trying to get back to that form,” Simeone told reporters at his pre-match press conference, according to Spanish sports daily AS.
The Argentine tactician urged the forward to remain confident in his abilities and continue taking risks on the pitch despite his current difficulties.
“He’s a good dribbler, we need him to be, to lose the ball, to keep trying,” Simeone added.
Lookman’s current struggles represent a dip from the impressive form he showed after joining Atletico from Italian side Atalanta. The Nigeria international scored nine goals and provided four assists in 24 appearances across all competitions during the second half of last season.
The 28-year-old has managed just one goal in nine appearances this season, falling short of the attacking impact he made following his arrival in Madrid.
Simeone acknowledged that players experience different phases in their careers and that no footballer can maintain the same level of performance throughout a season.
“Each player has their own moment. I don’t think any player is always at their best; there are injuries,” the Atletico manager said.
Lookman also featured as a substitute in Atletico’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in their Champions League opener at Anfield on September 9, coming on in the 59th minute as the Spanish side began their European campaign with a loss.
Atletico will host Manchester United on Tuesday, with Simeone’s side seeking to respond after their opening defeat. Lookman will hope to rediscover his best form and make a greater contribution as the Spanish club look to strengthen their position in the competition.
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