Simeone noted that Lookman plays an offensive game, adding that he will start more often once he improves his defensive work.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone has rationalised his decision to bench Ademola Lookman in his team’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) round-of-16 play-off second leg, a 4-1 win against Club Brugge on Tuesday night.
Speaking at his post-match interview, the Argentine tactician said the Super Eagles winger was left out of the starting XI for purely tactical reasons.
Lookman came off the bench to make an impact with an assist as Atlético Madrid qualified for the last-16 stage with a 7-4 aggregate victory against the Belgian outfit.
While reacting to the impressive win, Simeone said he took the decision not to start the Nigerian international due to the strong form of his other striker, Alexander Sørloth.
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He also noted that Lookman’s characteristics are purely offensive and that he will start more frequently once he has improved his defensive ability.
The Argentine said, as quoted by El Desmarque: “He [Lookman] didn’t play [start] because Sørloth played.”
Explaining further, Simeone added, “He [Lookman] will improve that [defensive ability] with time; his characteristics are purely offensive.
“Julián was going to work with the team because he knows us better. There are no big names.
“There are players. The game lasts 90 minutes. That is when we saw Griezmann come on in his thirties.”
