Atalanta coach juric sheds light on Ademola Lookman ahead of Champions League campaign

Atalanta coach Ivan Juric remained skeptical on whether Nigeria winger Ademola Lookman will return to the team when they travel to face Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in a UEFA Champions League fixture at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old once again failed to feature for Atalanta this season as they registered a resounding 4-1 victory against Lecce at Gewiss Stadium on Sunday. This was the third match in a row that Lookman was being overlooked despite being fit and ready to play.

Speaking after the game, Juric talked of the player’s continued absence and the expectations for his squad ahead of their Champions League campaign.

“Lookman in Paris? I don’t think so, the situation is unpleasant and not good,” the Croatian coach told DAZN via Inter News24. “We need ready guys who want to give their all for the shirt.”

‘I want different sense of belonging’

In a recent interview before the Lecce, Juric explains his decision to keep out Lookman out of the squad. He explained: “Ademola will not be ready for tomorrow (Sunday),” said Juric. “This is an unpleasant, difficult situation. As a coach, what I feel is that we need other things: spirit, fight, humility, work, a sense of belonging.

“On a human level, I want something different; I want a different sense of belonging, and we’ll continue like this.”

He added: “I have a very good relationship with Lookman. But, I shouldn’t have to beg him to play. It works the other way around. We are Atalanta and he represents the city. We need what Atalanta represents: Hard work, humility, these are different values.

“I shouldn’t have to plead to anyone. We’re all convinced that Atalanta needs strong values on a personal level.”

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