Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has explained why Ademola Lookman was replaced in the Copa del Rey final with Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Lookman was in Simeone’s starting lineup at the weekend and was on target after drawing his side level just after the hour mark.
However, just like in most of the games which he has featured in since joining the Spanish side in January, Lookman was withdrawn in the second half.
Atletico went on to lose the final 4-3 on penalties after 90 minutes and extra-time finished 2-2.
Explaining why Lookman had to be withdrawn, Simeone said (via futbolfantasy.com):”Because I understood that with Sorloth playing there as a number nine, we could create more scoring opportunities, and that Julián could fulfill Lookman’s role. Later, we moved Baena further to the left. We also have very important players in that position. And, well, that’s how I understood the substitution.”
