It is showdown night at the Metropolitano!
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has tipped Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman to end his poor run and explode against Manchester United in tonight’s Champions League cracker.
Lookman In Poor Phase, But Will Rise – Simeone
Speaking at his fiery pre-match press conference, the Argentine admitted the 28-year-old Nigerian is struggling but backed him to bounce back big.
“Every player goes through phases. I don’t think any player can maintain level ten all the time. There’s always a dip, and it’s clear Ademola Lookman is going through a phase where he’s not performing as he’d like and as we’d like to see him,” Simeone confessed.
But Simeone urged Lookman not to hide.
“He needs to keep dribbling, he needs to lose the ball, he needs to keep pushing forward, because he’ll do well, because he’s got what it takes and because he’s a goal scorer,” he fired.
The coach contrasted Lookman with Alex Baena, who is in great form after injury-hit season, saying he is managing “best moments of each player for good of team.”
ALSO READ: Lookman, Bassey get good review in Madrid derby, and against Man United
Atletico Must Win Tonight
Atletico host United at Riyadh Air Metropolitano tonight, 8pm Nigerian time, in their first home game of Champions League this season.
Atletico lost 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield in opener before beating Alaves 2-1 in La Liga. United opened with 4-0 bashing of Sabah Baku and drew 1-1 with Tottenham.
Simeone warned: “We need points, just as every team that wants to stay in this competition does. It’s Manchester United, a strong side, but we’ll have to steer match where we can cause them problems.”
The sides last met in July pre-season in Sweden, United won 2-1, but Simeone dismissed it, focusing on United’s recent form.
All eyes now on Lookman – can he answer Simeone’s faith and light up Europe tonight?
