Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has thrown his support behind Ademola Lookman amid the Nigerian forward’s difficult spell at the Spanish club this season.
Lookman has struggled to replicate the impressive form he showed after joining Atletico last season, with his playing time also reduced in recent weeks.
The 28-year-old featured for just 14 minutes in Atletico’s 2-0 victory over Levante last Saturday.
Simeone Backs Lookman To Hit Top Form
Speaking ahead of Atletico’s UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, Simeone expressed confidence in Lookman’s ability to rediscover his best form, urging him to remain patient, work hard and maintain belief in himself.
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The gaffer acknowledged that difficult periods are an inevitable part of football and encouraged the Nigerian international not to become frustrated by his current situation.
“I have a lot of faith in him. I don’t want him to get frustrated because he’s not going through his best moment, because it’s part of life, part of the game, part of football,” Simeone told reporters.
“This is work, this is believing in what you do.”
Despite his struggles in domestic competitions, Lookman has shown glimpses of his quality in Europe, recording one goal and one assist in three Champions League appearances for Atletico this season.
Overall, the Nigerian has contributed two goals and one assist in 14 appearances across all competitions for the LaLiga side.
By Adeboye Amosu
