Ademola Lookman: Why Alvarez absence made Simeone apologise to Super Eagles star

 Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has publicly apologised to Nigeria international Ademola Lookman for deploying him out of position in the opening matches of the 2026/27 La Liga campaign.

The Argentine tactician was forced to field the former Atalanta forward as a makeshift centre-forward due to fitness problems and the ongoing transfer drama encircling Julian Alvarez..

Lookman subsequently struggled to impact proceedings, firing blanks in Atletico's 2-0 opening victory over Malaga on August 19 and Sunday's frustrating 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

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Following the 2-2 draw against Villarreal at the Metropolitano Stadium on August 23, 2026, Simeone admitted that Lookman has been sacrificed for the greater good of the team.

"I apologised to Ademola Lookman, first, in the locker room," Simeone revealed to the press, per Futbolfantasy.

He explained that Lookman was asked to fill the void left by Alexander Sørloth, who remains sidelined with a frustrating injury, and Alvarez, who is being eased back into the squad.

"I told him: 'I know it's not your place; you were supposed to help us because right now Alexander Sørloth is injured, Julián Álvarez is recovering very well, and he's the one helping us,'" the manager added.

Simeone praised the forward's incredible work rate but acknowledged that the rigid central role prevents him from playing his natural game.

"He's missing what he enjoys, which is dribbling, scoring goals, and taking on defenders one-on-one," Simeone explained.

He promised to restore Lookman to his preferred role once the club has other natural forwards available to share the attacking spaces.

The shortage of striking options is exacerbated by the uncertain status of Julián Álvarez, who is actively pushing for a move away from the Spanish capital.

The Argentine striker declared his desire to leave Atletico Madrid, sparking transfer interest from domestic rivals Barcelona and Premier League side Arsenal.

He prefers a move to rivals Barcelona, and the Blaugrana have submitted a bid to the tune of 100 million. However, Rojiblancos turned it down, insisting they intend to keep the Argentine.

He has been out of proceedings due to an extended World Cup break and his transfer situation. Álvarez finally returned to the squad for the clash against Villarreal but received a highly hostile reception from the home crowd.

Fans loudly booed and whistled the World Cup winner as speculation continues to mount ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

With Sørloth still unavailable and Álvarez's future up in the air, Lookman may be forced to reprise his unfamiliar central role when Atletico next take the pitch.