Nigeria Players Abroad
“These incidents help improve relationships” — Ivan Jurić on touchline spat with Ademola Lookman
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Atalanta head coach Ivan Jurić has played down his heated exchange with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman during the club’s UEFA Champions League clash against Marseille, describing such incidents as opportunities to build stronger relationships within the team.
Tensions flared in the 75th minute at the Gewiss Stadium when Lookman, visibly frustrated after Yunus Musah’s substitution, attempted to leave the bench.
Jurić reacted by grabbing the forward’s arm to stop him, sparking a brief altercation before teammates Marten de Roon, CEO Luca Percassi, and other members of the coaching staff stepped in to defuse the situation.
The confrontation came amid reports of a strained relationship between Lookman and Atalanta following the club’s refusal to approve his desired transfer during the summer window.
After the match, Jurić was seen speaking privately to Lookman as the player headed toward the dressing room, while the rest of the squad celebrated their victory on the pitch.
Speaking ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A fixture against Sassuolo, Jurić addressed the incident publicly, insisting it had been resolved and even describing it as constructive.
“He always works well; that reaction is something that can happen every now and then. Ademola is unusual — you get over it,” Jurić told reporters.
“And sometimes these incidents help improve relationships. With Carnesecchi, we’ve opened up, and I feel much closer to him now.”
Reflecting on Lookman’s performance, the Croatian coach expressed sympathy over the disallowed goal against Marseille and praised the Nigerian’s work rate.
“The joy of the goal denied due to offside was taken away not only from Lookman but also from Bellanova, who crossed for him. He struggled, but he played a great game in Marseille, and I hope he continues to rise.”
Despite Jurić’s conciliatory tone, reports in Italy suggest that Lookman’s relationship with the club remains uneasy, with a potential January exit still possible as he enters the final months of his contract with the Bergamo side.
