Simeone urges Lookman to keep taking risks as Atletico form dip continues

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says Ademola Lookman has the quality to overcome his difficult start to the 2026/27 season and return to his best form.

The Nigeria international has scored only once in nine appearances across all competitions this season. His current struggles came into sharper focus last weekend, when he was replaced at half-time during Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Alaves.

Simeone, however, believes the winger’s loss of form is temporary and has backed him to recover through continued hard work.

“Every player goes through their own phases. Obviously, I don’t think there’s a player who can maintain a level of ten all the time,” Simeone said, as quoted by Into The Calderon.

“There’s always a dip, and it’s clear that Ademola Lookman is going through a phase where he’s not performing as he’d like to and as we’d like to see him, because he’s shown us what he’s capable of. But he works every day to become that player, the dribbler.”

Simeone calls for confidence

The Atletico Madrid manager also stressed that Lookman must not allow his recent performances to damage his confidence.

Simeone wants the winger to continue attempting to beat defenders and to remain willing to take risks, even if those efforts do not always succeed. He believes those qualities will be central to Lookman rediscovering his attacking influence.

“He needs to keep dribbling, he needs to lose the ball, he needs to keep pushing forward, because he’ll do well, because he’s got what it takes and because he’s a goalscorer,” Simeone added.

The comments reflect Simeone’s continued belief in Lookman’s ability and goalscoring instincts, despite the player’s limited return in front of goal so far this season.

Lookman’s substitution against Alaves came as Atletico Madrid secured another victory, but his performance has increased scrutiny of a campaign in which he has found the net only once in nine appearances.

Simeone’s message is that the winger should continue playing with the same attacking intent rather than allowing a temporary dip in form to restrict his game. The manager’s assessment remains that Lookman can regain the level he has previously shown for Atletico Madrid.