Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has reacted to his rift with Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old has had a poor start to the 2025/2026, largely due to poor fitness after he missed the club's pre-season preparations in trying to force a move to Inter Milan.
Lookman was taken off for Yunus Musah in La Dea's clash against Marseille, and didn't take the situation kindly. This resorted to Ivan Juric pulling the Nigerian by arm, which escalated the situation further.
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In response, Lookman deleted every of his Instagram posts related to Atalanta, and went on to unfollow the club, sparking rumours of a possible January exit from Bergamo.
Juric reacts to Lookman's antics
After the Champions League victory in Marseille, Ivan Juric is chasing a league victory to begin his climb back up the Serie A ladder.
“We're behind, we need to get points and do exceptional things,” the Atalanta coach said in quotes revealed by Gazzetta.IT.
“We can't slow down any longer, and we shouldn't underestimate Sassuolo because they have quality players, a truly rapid attack, and a coach like Grosso, whom I respect.
“Wednesday's prestigious victory helps, but we need to keep resetting to get going again.
“The team continues to give me a great feeling, and has done so since the start of the season. And I've only had to raise my voice a few times, with very few players.”
Quizzed about Lookman's antics at the club, the former Southampton manager said:
“He always works well; that reaction is something that can happen every now and then.
“Ademola is unusual; you get over it. And sometimes these incidents help improve relationships: with Carnesecchi we've opened up, and I feel much closer to him now.
“He struggled, but he played a great game in Marseille, and I hope he continues to rise,” Juric concluded.
Lookman has scored just one goal for club and country this season across all competitions.
