Diego Simeone’s confidence in Ademola Lookman seems to be fading, as the Atlético Madrid coach who had publicly backed the Nigerian to regain his best form kept him on the bench for the entire defeat to Barcelona, even though he still had a substitution available.
Simeone had earlier encouraged the forward not to grow frustrated by his drop in form, stressing that hard work and self-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.
Yet his choice to overlook Lookman in the Barcelona match has prompted questions about whether that confidence is starting to fade.
According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, Simeone made only four substitutions even as Atlético chased the game, leaving the Nigerian unused despite having one more change at his disposal.
The coach kept Julian Alvarez on the pitch for the full match despite the jeers aimed at the forward, while Alexander Sørloth, David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso, and Jonathan David were brought on in three separate phases.
David entered in the 78th minute, but Lookman was not considered for the remaining minutes as Atlético searched for a way back into the game.
The decision marks a frustrating turn for the Nigerian, who had played in all 11 of Atlético’s La Liga games before the Barcelona match but scored just once, in their 3-1 win over Sevilla in August.
He has also registered one goal and one assist across four Champions League appearances this season.
Still, despite the mounting concerns over his playing time, the Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Atlético have not lost faith in the 28-year-old.
“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.
A number of Atlético supporters have likewise come out in support of the Nigerian, with one fan arguing that the blame for the team’s difficulties should fall on Simeone rather than Lookman.
“The thing is, Lookman was great last season because he was new and hadn’t been coached by Simeone yet. It’s a similar situation with Kang in even all the players; you should only lose faith in Simeone, not anyone,” Kensuke Qiang wrote.
Another supporter asked why Lookman wasn’t given the same patience as Alvarez, who has also gone through tough spells at the club.
“Julian wanted a new club a few months ago and started and played like shit. Why can’t Lookman get the same grace?” the fan queried.
Lookman is back in Nigeria for the international break and will be hoping to lead the Super Eagles to wins in their crucial 2027 AFCON qualifiers double-header against Tanzania.
