Ex-Leipzig coach reveals key Lookman transformation under Diego Simeone

Former RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg coach Ralph Hasenhüttl has revealed a fault in Ademola Lookman‘s game that has been addressed by Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Austrian tactician coached the 28-year-old at the Red Bull Arena in his loan spell between January and June 2018. In that spell, Lookman scored five goals and provided three assists in eleven games.

However, when the Nigerian was signed permanently in 2019, Julian Nagelsmann had taken over at RB Leipzig, and the German manager wasn't a big fan of Lookman.

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Hasenhüttl highlights Lookman's growth under Diego Simeone

In an interview with The Sun, Hasenhuttl revealed how Die Rottenbullen got to sign the 2024 CAF Player of the Year, and the struggles which he faced in Germany.

“We needed someone up front on loan,” the former Southampton coach said.

“I remember Ralf Rangnick, our sporting director, running through the player restaurant with me and into an office to send a fax to make everything happen.

“The signing worked immediately as he scored a very important goal against Monchengladbach.

“This was on his debut. The game did not start well when he came on because he kept slipping as the pitch was muddy and he had the wrong boots.

“My assistants were jumping up and down shouting at him but he changed his boots and hit an 89th-minute winner!”

Despite the praise from the Austrian, he was clear that the 2024 CAF Player of the Year struggled with helping the team when he's without the ball.

“Working hard off the ball was tough for him and maybe too much, which is why maybe he struggled.

“But he has had a good journey since. His dribbling and finishing is his biggest strength.”

Hassenhuttl's point was reiterated by Diego Simeone when Lookman signed for Atletico Madrid in February. The Argentine manager was pleased with the attacker's input up front, but mentioned he has a lot to do defensively.

“Above all, he scores goals, in principle, he scores more goals than he contributes to the build-up play, so he can improve in terms of his play and defensive work,” Simeone said in quotes revealed by Into the Calderon.

“We need him to adapt to the way the team operates in that area, and I can see he’s enthusiastic and keen to improve.”

Lookman, in recent weeks, spoke about Simeone's intense demands of defensive involvement, admitting he's improving, thanking the manager for making him a well-rounded player.

“Simeone, I think just wants more of everything from me. Defending, attacking, and helping the team in certain moments. Being part of the play, he demands more from me.

“It's a pleasure you know, because I have someone who sees more in me, pushes me, and wants more from me.

“I have to keep working, and keep demanding more from myself too, it's what I want to do, to be the best I can for the team and myself,” the FIFA U-20 World Cup winner concluded.

The one-time UEFA Europa League winner has been backed to score against Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final set to be played on Tuesday in London.

It'll be an emotional return to the city where he was born and started his football journey.