“I can’t beg him” – Atalanta coach states why Ademola Lookman won’t play against Lecce

Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has been reinstated into La Dea‘s first team training but will not play in their Serie A clash against Lecce tomorrow, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old wanted to leave the Bergamo-based club before the transfer window slammed shut, and absconded from team training, alongside pre-season fixtures, in a bid to force a move that didn't eventually happen.

La Dea maintained their stance that they wouldn't sell Lookman to another Italian team, and since only Inter Milan were coming forward with a bid, the club didn't sell.

As previously reported by Soccernet.ng, following Lookman's action with the Nigerian National team over the September International break, the CAF 2024 Player of the Year has been recalled from training alone to training with the Atalanta first team, for the first time this season.

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Lookman to miss Lecce clash

Although the club desisted from further disciplinary measures against the England-born Nigerian, the former Everton forward will not play against Lecce tomorrow.

Atalanta's head coach, Ivan Juric, stated in his pre-match conference that the desire to play for the club is still lacking in Lookman, largely due to the prolonged summer transfer saga.

“This is an unpleasant, difficult situation,” the former Southampton head coach said in quotes revealed by Sport Calcio.

“As a coach, what I feel is that we need other things: of spirit, of struggle, of humility, of work, of feeling the shirt well.

“On a human level, I want something else; I want a different membership, and we will go on like this. I don't have to beg him.

“With Lookman, I have a very good relationship, but I don’t have to beg him to play. On the contrary, we are Atalanta, and we represent the city.

“We need what Atalanta represents: work, humility, they are different values, I do not have to pray to anyone. We are all convinced that Atalanta needs strong values on a human level,” the Croatian concluded.

Atalanta haven't exactly thrived in Lookman's absence. After losing Mario Retegui to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadisiya, the 2024 UEFA Europa League winners are yet to secure a victory this season.