Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has personally apologised to Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman for repositioning him as a central striker — a role the Nigerian international was never built for.

Speaking in quotes reported by Futbol Fantasy, the 56-year-old explained that the tactical switch was driven by necessity rather than choice. Injuries to Alexander Sørloth and the ongoing fitness recovery of Julián Álvarez left Simeone short of recognised forwards, forcing him to call on Lookman to fill the gap.