Juric Speaks After Touchline Clash with Lookman in Atalanta’s Win Over Marseille
Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has spoken out after a heated touchline moment with Nigerian international Ademola Lookman during their 1–0 Champions League win over Marseille on Wednesday night.
The incident happened in the second half after Lookman, whose goal had earlier been ruled out for offside, reacted angrily when he was substituted. As he left the pitch, Juric appeared to grab his arm, leading to a brief argument before members of the Atalanta coaching team stepped in to calm things down.
Speaking after the match, Juric told Sky Sport Italia that the exchange was simply a normal reaction in football.
“It’s the usual thing that happens in football,” he said. “Players don’t like being substituted, especially when they feel they can still make an impact. It’s a reaction that comes from passion and the desire to compete.”
Juric added that the issue was resolved straight after the match and that there is no problem between him and Lookman.
“We talked about it in the dressing room,” he explained. “Lookman is an important player for us. These things happen, and now we move on to the next game.”
Lookman, who has struggled for form this season, has scored just once in ten appearances across all competitions after starting the campaign late due to transfer issues.
The disagreement with Juric is the latest in a series of controversies involving the Nigerian forward at Atalanta. Earlier in the year, former coach Gian Piero Gasperini criticised him after a Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, calling him “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.” Lookman later described the comment as “deeply disrespectful.”
During the summer, the 27-year-old refused to train after Atalanta blocked his move to Inter Milan, despite the Serie A giants offering £32 million. Lookman accused the club of failing to keep their promises over a potential transfer.
Atalanta’s narrow win over Marseille, sealed by a late goal from Lazar Samardzic, lifted them to seven points from four group matches, keeping their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stage alive.
