Lookman responds to Simeone apology after Atletico Madrid positional switch

Ademola Lookman has welcomed Diego Simeone’s apology after the Atletico Madrid manager played the Nigeria international as a centre-forward at the beginning of the 2026-27 La Liga season.

Simeone used Lookman through the middle in Atletico Madrid’s first two league matches, against Malaga and Villarreal. However, the 28-year-old was unable to score in either game and did not create an opportunity for a team-mate to find the net.

The decision was made because Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth were unavailable, leaving Simeone to adjust his attacking options. The Argentine coach later acknowledged that centre-forward was not Lookman’s preferred position and apologised to the former Atalanta player for asking him to operate there.

Lookman returned to his usual role on the left wing for Atletico Madrid’s meeting with Sevilla on Saturday. He responded decisively, scoring his first goal of the season as Simeone’s side secured a 3-1 victory at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

The Nigeria international said after the match that he remained positive about his relationship with Simeone and was concentrating on improving under the Atletico Madrid manager and his coaching staff.

His performance against Sevilla offered an immediate response after the difficult opening two matches, with Lookman back in the position in which he has been most effective. The former RB Leipzig forward will now aim to maintain that form when Atletico Madrid face Athletic Club on Saturday.

Lookman’s involvement in the opening fixtures had come under attention because his responsibilities in attack changed from the role he normally occupies. Rather than starting from the left, where he returned against Sevilla, he was asked to lead the line while the club dealt with the absence of Alvarez and Sørloth.

Simeone’s subsequent apology made clear that the tactical choice had been dictated by circumstances rather than a belief that centre-forward was Lookman’s ideal position. The manager’s decision to restore him to the left against Sevilla was followed by Lookman’s first goal of the campaign and a convincing team result.

The 3-1 win also gave Lookman an opportunity to begin the season’s goalscoring account after he had failed to register in the matches with Malaga and Villarreal. His next chance to continue that progress comes against Athletic Club on Saturday.

Soccernet.ng reported Lookman’s reaction to Simeone’s apology. Readers were also invited to join the publication’s WhatsApp channel for sports news updates.