Nigeria Players Abroad
Ivan Juric tasks Ademola Lookman to stay positive in fight for Atalanta starting spot
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has encouraged Ademola Lookman to maintain a positive attitude and work ethic as he pushes to reclaim a regular starting role at the club.
The Nigerian forward was an unused substitute in the Super Eagles’ recent FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic, following a yellow card in the previous match against Lesotho.
Despite limited minutes on international duty, Lookman played a key role in Nigeria’s qualification for the CAF play-offs.
Juric, speaking ahead of Atalanta’s return to Serie A action, expressed optimism that the former Leicester City man is edging closer to peak condition after a difficult start to the season.
“I hope that he will return from international duty with the same attitude I saw in the last two or three weeks,” said Juric.
“It was a great attitude—really positive—and I want to make up for the time we lost over the summer. He’s not yet at his best, but I hope to see the right spirit from him.”
Lookman’s early-season form was hampered by a turbulent pre-season, during which he reportedly missed training sessions in protest after Atalanta rejected a €40 million-plus-add-ons offer from Inter Milan.
While his match rhythm remains a work in progress, Juric believes the 2023 CAF African Player of the Year is beginning to rediscover his sharpness.
“The other day, he played in a position that was not his usual role for the first time, but he showed some good things. He was only lacking a goal.”
Lookman will be hoping to regain his place in Atalanta’s starting XI as the club continues its push for European qualification in the second half of the Serie A season.
