Atletico Coach Hails Lookman’s Goal-Scoring Instinct, Urges Defensive Improvement

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has lauded Ademola Lookman’s impactful performance in their recent 4-2 victory over Espanyol. The win was crucial for Atletico, ending a three-game goal drought in La Liga and preventing what would have been their first four-game winless run in the competition since December 2021.

Lookman played a significant role in the triumph, putting Atletico 3-1 ahead with a perfectly timed run and a well-executed header at the back post from a corner. This marked the Nigeria international’s inaugural league goal for the “Red and Whites.”

Despite the praise, Simeone also highlighted areas for improvement for the forward, particularly on the defensive side of his game. Speaking to reporters post-match, Simeone stated: “Lookman brings us goals, more goals than overall play. He can still improve his overall play and defensive work.”

He added: “We need him to adapt to the team’s way of playing in those aspects. His message is that he wants to improve as a footballer. He has that goal-scoring instinct, those goals he has scored are no coincidence. But we also need more from him in the overall game.”