Head coach of Atlético Madrid Diego Simeone had defended his decision to substitute Ademola Lookman in their penalty shootout defeat to Real Sociedad in the final of the Copa del Rey, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Lookman drew his side level after they went behind in the game that ended in a 2-2 draw in normal time. He was by far their most threatening forward but was substituted after 62 minutes more to the surprise of many watching the game.
Simeone was subjected to attack by the club’s faithful who have long have an issue with the coach for constantly taking off the Nigerian around that time mark, regardless of how well he is playing.
However it has now emerged that the decision to replace the 28 year old was because of an abductor Injury, which they didn’t want to aggravate with the UEFA Champions League semi final game against Arsenal on the horizon.
He will undergo further scans tomorrow for the sharp pain he felt that led to the decision to take him out.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
