Atalanta manager Ivan Juric says Ademola Lookman’s frustration over being substituted sparked the heated exchange between them during Wednesday’s UCL clash, SportPremi reports.
The reigning African footballer of the year award winner was involved in a heated spat with his manager on the touchline, following his substitution in the 1-0 win over Olympique Marseille on Wednesday night.
- Check this out: Ivan Juric speaks on Lookman’s absence from Atalanta squad
The game ended 1-0 in favor of the Italian side, after Lazar Samardzic produced a moment of quality in the dying minutes of the clash to secure the important three points.
What happened between them?
Ademola Lookman was one of the bright spot for Atalanta during the battle with Olympique Marseille on Wednesday at the Stade Velodrome.
The Nigerian superstar was reintegrated into the squad few weeks ago, after refusing to train during the early stages of the new campaign.
In nine appearances since his return to the squad, the 28-year-old has only completed 90 minutes twice in a means to get him up to full fitness.
Lookman proved to be a threat on the night and could have gotten a goal in the second half, although it was canceled for off.
The fourth official’s sign came up in the 75th minute signaling an exit from the match for the Super Eagles winger.
He was unhappy at the substitution and appeared to utter his grievances to the manager, who became visibly upset and reacted.
Both parties had to be separated by the coaching staff, as an upset Lookman headed towards the Atalanta bench.
Juric downplays heated exchange with Lookman
Speaking after the match, head coach Ivan Juric likened the situation to what happened between Napoli’s Antonio Conte and Kevin De Bruyne earlier in the season.
“It’s the usual thing we’ve been commenting on every Sunday, it happened with De Bruyne at Napoli, some players are not happy to be substituted, they don’t react well, and we sort these things out in the locker room”, the Atalanta boss said.
“We all know these situations, we’ve all had them as players, as coaches, they happen in the heat of the moment.
“What matters is Atalanta, the club, the team and the fans. We do what is good for the team and I think you need to give your all. I understand, I shake it all off, and we move forward”, he concluded.
Summary of the match
Atalanta were the better side for majority of the encounter and dominated their hosts in a feisty clash.
Charles de Ketelaere wasted an early opportunity to give them the lead from the penalty spot, but was denied by a brilliant stop from Geronimo Rulli.
Ademola Lookman then put them ahead in the second half, although the goal was ruled out for an offside in the buildup.
The 2024 Europa League winners were not to be denied, as substitute Lazar Samardzic scored a spectacular curler to give them a 1-0 win.
What next for Lookman?
Ademola Lookman handed in a transfer request in the summer after looking to leave the club to join Inter Milan.
However, La Dea refused to sanction a sale and kept the Nigerian international at the club instead.
The recent altercation with Ivan Juric is expected to spark more speculations about his future and it remains to be seen if he finally gets his move away from the club in the January transfer window.
