Atlético boss offers one-word reply to question on Super Eagles star pre-Barcelona clash

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has refused to reveal his conversation with Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman ahead of the club’s clash with Barcelona on Thursday, Afrik-Foot reports.

Simeone prepares his Atletico to face Barcelona in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal tie against the defending champions.

Atletico Madrid host Barcelona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano looking to avenge their semifinal defeat in the hands of the same opponents last year.

The new face of La Liga marketing: ADEMOLA LOOKMAN 🇳🇬 https://t.co/DcbuFujexM

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Ademola Lookman was not in that Atlético Madrid squad that drew 4-4 with Barcelona away from home only to lose the return fixture 1-0 in front of their supporters.

However, the Super Eagles star will be one of the players to watch as Atlético aim to reach the final of the competition for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2024.

Asked, at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, to share any conversation he has had with Lookman ahead of the Barcelona match, Simeone replied with a sharp, “No.”

Super Eagles star Lookman vs Barcelona

Simeone would prefer that Lookman do the talking on the pitch when he gets the chance against Hansi Flick’s men.

This is the first time Lookman takes to the pitch against Barcelona in a competitive fixture, though, he is not unfamiliar with Spanish oppositions.

The Super Eagles forward has a a goal in two meetings with Real Madrid and two goal contributions in two matches against Real Betis. Back in Italy, Lookman held an excellent scoring record against the biggest clubs in Serie A, including strikes against Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Napoli and Fiorentina.

The Nigeria international will be keen to repeat that feat in Spain, starting with Barcelona in Madrid.