Simeone, Lookman hold secret training ground chat as Atletico boss pushes Nigerian star

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is known for demanding total commitment from his players and Ademola Lookman is now experiencing that famous intensity first-hand, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Argentine tactician recently spent 20 minutes alone with the Nigerian forward after training, holding a private conversation designed to push the Super Eagles star towards even greater performances.

According to reports from Spain, once training ended and the rest of the squad left the pitch, Simeone remained behind with Lookman. With the stadium quiet and empty, both coach and player sat on a football and talked in what has become a trademark Simeone method of communication.

It was not a warning or criticism. Instead, it was a detailed tactical discussion, a personal mentoring session rooted in what has been tagged ‘Cholismo’, Simeone’s philosophy built on discipline, sacrifice and emotional connection to the club.

Lookman has already made a strong start since arriving from Atalanta during the winter transfer window. The Nigerian attacker has produced four goals and three assists in just 391 minutes, instantly becoming one of Atletico’s most dangerous attacking players.

Yet Simeone believes there is still much more to come.

The Argentine coach has carefully studied Lookman’s career, noting that while his attacking instincts are outstanding, his defensive work rate becomes stronger when playing for Nigeria. That discovery has shaped Simeone’s current mission; to combine Lookman’s creativity with greater tactical responsibility when Atletico do not have possession.

The manager wants the winger-turned-second striker to press harder, recover positions faster, and become a complete Simeone forward capable of launching deadly counter-attacks.

Simeone wants Lookman to ‘feel the shirt’ like Nigeria

Simeone’s emotional investment in Lookman has been clear both on and off the pitch.

After recent matches, the coach has embraced the Nigerian warmly, gestures that shows how important he considers the forward for Atletico’s future.

❤️🤍 Just wait for the moment Diego Simeone sees Ademola Lookman! Very happy with his new signing. 🫂✨ pic.twitter.com/E8MI1oV8om

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 27, 2026

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday, Simeone explained exactly what he expects from his new attacker.

“He arrived full of enthusiasm, eager to continue growing and helping us, and we to help him.

“As I said a few days ago, we need him to keep contributing offensively and add to that the defensive work he already does, especially in Nigeria. We need him to feel the shirt the same way he feels the Nigeria shirt, to be able to represent Atlético in that state, because in that state he is a very important player.”

The private meeting with Lookman, echoes a famous moment earlier in Simeone’s career when he held a similar one-on-one conversation with Álvaro Morata. After that discussion, Morata entered the most prolific scoring run of his Atletico career, a precedent many at the club hope will repeat itself with Lookman.

Early signs already suggest the Nigerian is responding. He has impressed supporters with his direct running, clever positioning and ability to drift inside as a second striker, creating quick transitions that perfectly suit Atletico’s counter-attacking style.

Simeone’s message appears to be built on the concept that talent brought Lookman to Madrid, but discipline and emotional connection will make him indispensable.

If the impact of that quiet 20-minute conversation proves as powerful as previous Simeone interventions, Atletico Madrid may be witnessing the rise of another player transformed by the Argentine’s demanding but deeply personal coaching approach.

Atlético Madrid face Real Oviedo on Saturday night with a win against the basement club needed to close the gap on third-place Villarreal.