Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has expressed confidence in Ademola Lookman, urging the Nigerian forward to remain patient as he continues to adapt to life at the Spanish club.

Lookman has endured a slow start to his career at Atlético Madrid, but Simeone insists he has faith in the forward's quality and believes he will eventually find his rhythm.

The Argentine tactician acknowledged that Lookman may not have started his spell at the club as he would have wished, drawing comparisons with Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann, who also experienced difficult periods before finding their feet.

“I don’t know if Lookman is playing in a position where he doesn’t want to play. He hasn’t started the way he would have liked, but the same happened to Julián last season, and he came through it, Griezmann too,” Simeone said.

“Lookman is the player who has the most duels in the final third, and I have a lot of confidence in him.

“I don’t want him to become frustrated. It’s part of life and football. The goal that opens the door for him will come.”

Simeone's comments underline his belief in the Nigerian international, while encouraging him to remain focused and patient as he seeks to establish himself in the Atlético Madrid setup.

The manager is confident that once Lookman finds the breakthrough goal, it will help boost his confidence and allow him to make a greater impact on the team.