Atalanta of Italy winger, Ademola Lookman has found some respite coming his way once again, as his coach at the Italian Serie A club, Ivan Juric has downplayed the clash they had with each other on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions League, Sports247 reports.
After apparently hurling an insult at the coach, upon being replaced in the second half of his team’s win away to Olympique Marseille of France, the Super Eagles’ winger appeared to be heading towards another frosty time at the club he desperately wanted to leave in the summer.
Read Also: Denmark-based Joy Omewa Targets First WAFCON Gold Medal, Plus World Cup Spot
However, rather than keep the issue boiling, Juric has declared that his relationship with Lookman remains cordial, in spite of what appeared to be a nasty touchline blow-up between them.
Lookman expressed his dismay after he was replaced for Yunus Musah in the 75th minute, before which the 2024 African Footballer of The Year had had a goal disallowed and he was not happy to be taken off, which he expressed to the gaffer as he headed to the bench.
Juric responded by grabbing Lookman’s arm and gave him a harsh rebuke, but some of the club’s crew members intervened before the situation could escalate.
Dramatically, after the final whistle, Juric again approached Lookman to say something to him before the player headed to the locker room, while the team was on the pitch celebrating the win.
However, just a day after, the gaffer has now downplayed the fray and stressed that he and Lookman have a good understanding between them.
“It’s the same old thing. The players refuse to go out. There are some angry reactions, but it ends there and is resolved in the locker room. We’ve all experienced these situations.
“These things happen in the heat of the moment, but what matters is the team and the fans. For the good of the team, you have to behave well and give your all.
“For me, everything is fine; the important thing is Atalanta: we have to focus on winning (our next league game) at Sassuolo,” Juric stated.
