‘Bad Advice Surrounded Him’ – Juric Comments on Lookman’s Return

Regarding Ademola Lookman’s return to the team, Atalanta manager Ivan Juric has spoken out, claiming the Nigerian attacker was misled during his unsuccessful summer transfer attempt to Inter Milan.
After training away from the team in an attempt to push through a move to San Siro, Ademola Lookman was reportedly barred from Atalanta’s first three Serie A games. But the team remained steadfast and declined to bolster a direct opponent.

After the transfer window closed, the 27-year-old resumed his training and made his season debut in Sunday’s 3-0 triumph over Torino, entering as a substitute in the 87th minute after Kamaldeen Sulemana and Nikola Krstovic (2) had taken the lead.

Juric disclosed after the game that Lookman had gone so far as to speak to him and his teammates over the transfer saga. The Croatian coach was open about how frustrated he was with the people who were advising the Super Eagles player.

He addressed the team and me on Monday. FotMob quotes Juric as saying, “He was surrounded by people who had given him some bad advice.”

“He has a fantastic winning mentality, and we need to help him get back into physical shape now.”

When the winger accused Atalanta of unjust treatment in a series of social media tweets in August, before heading to the UK to continue practicing alone, the rift between the two teams had already grown.

He returned to Bergamo a few days before the season began since no contract came through.

Even though Juric has opted for forgiveness, some supporters are not convinced. This week, a poster that was put up throughout the city said quite bluntly: “No. 11 reintegrated, but for us, you remain ungrateful.”

It may be vital for Juric to bring Lookman back into the fold, particularly given Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere’s fitness concerns.

Lookman, who scored 20 goals the previous season after scoring a hat-trick in the 2023–2024 Europa League final, is anticipated to be a key player in the upcoming weeks.

After visiting Juventus in Turin on Saturday, Atalanta will play Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday to resume their European tour.