Juric Insists He Won’t Beg Lookman to Play for Atalanta

Atalanta manager, Ivan Juric, has made it clear that he will not plead with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman to commit himself to the club despite the winger’s recent return to first-team training. The stance underscores Juric’s philosophy that no individual player should consider himself bigger than the collective values of the Bergamo-based club.

Lookman, 27, had been absent from training earlier this summer amid transfer speculation and was widely reported to have handed in a formal transfer request. The Super Eagles star was determined to leave Atalanta after attracting interest from several European clubs, most notably Inter Milan. However, despite multiple offers, Atalanta’s management rejected the bids, forcing Lookman to return under strained circumstances.

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“I Don’t Have to Beg Anyone”

Speaking ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A clash against Lecce on Sunday, Juric admitted the scenario was far from ideal but stressed that he would not compromise on the club’s principles.

“This is an unpleasant, difficult situation. With Lookman, I have a very good relationship, but I don’t have to beg him to play,” Juric told reporters.

“On the contrary, we are Atalanta, and we represent the city. We need what Atalanta represents: work, humility. They are different values. I do not have to pray to anyone. We are all convinced that Atalanta needs strong values on a human level.”

Juric’s comments signal a clear message to the squad: commitment, discipline, and respect for the club’s culture will take precedence over individual ambitions. For Lookman, who remains a key figure given his attacking abilities, the challenge now lies in realigning himself with the values his manager holds dear.

Transfer Frustrations

Lookman’s situation reflects the frustrations that can arise when a player’s career trajectory clashes with club decisions. Having enjoyed a stellar 2023/24 campaign, capped by a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final that delivered Atalanta their first major European trophy, Lookman became one of the most sought-after forwards on the continent.

His form drew attention from Inter Milan and other top clubs, who saw him as an ideal addition to bolster their attacking lines. However, Atalanta, buoyed by their strong Serie A finish and their ambitions to remain competitive domestically and in Europe, stood firm and refused to sanction his exit.

The decision to keep Lookman may have safeguarded the club’s immediate sporting interests, but it also triggered tension as the player pushed for a move that ultimately did not materialise.

Reintegrating Under Strained Circumstances

Despite the breakdown of his transfer push, Lookman has since rejoined Atalanta’s first-team training. Yet Juric confirmed that the Nigerian international would not be part of the squad for the Lecce game, indicating that the process of reintegration will be gradual.

The manager’s cautious approach is partly aimed at ensuring that dressing room harmony is preserved. Given Lookman’s stature and influence within the squad, how he re-adapts to Atalanta’s environment will be crucial in determining both his personal role and the club’s performance moving forward.

The decision to temporarily exclude him from matchday action also provides Lookman with time to reflect, rebuild relationships with teammates, and demonstrate his willingness to align with the club’s vision.

Atalanta’s Attack Without Lookman

Atalanta finished the 2023/24 Serie A season strongly, relying on their dynamic attacking style and depth across forward positions. While Lookman’s absence is a blow, Juric remains confident that his squad can maintain momentum in the early weeks of the campaign.

The likes of Gianluca Scamacca, Charles De Ketelaere, and Mario Pašalić are expected to shoulder the attacking responsibilities, with Juric emphasizing teamwork over reliance on individual brilliance.

This approach not only underlines Atalanta’s collective ethos but also ensures that the club is not held hostage to transfer dramas.

An Uncertain Future

Lookman’s future in Bergamo remains clouded by uncertainty. On one hand, he is still one of Atalanta’s most valuable assets, both in terms of ability and market value. On the other hand, his commitment to Juric’s philosophy of humility, hard work, and collective representation will determine whether he thrives or becomes marginalised.

For Juric, the message is simple: Atalanta is bigger than any one player, regardless of past achievements or transfer interest. For Lookman, the coming weeks present an opportunity to decide whether he is willing to put aside his transfer frustrations and re-establish himself as a key part of the club’s plans.

The tension between Ademola Lookman and Atalanta is a reminder of the delicate balance between player ambition and club loyalty. While Lookman sought a move to a bigger stage, Atalanta chose to retain him as part of their competitive project. Now, the challenge lies in reconciling both sides for the good of the team.

Juric’s stance reflects an unwavering belief in Atalanta’s identity: a club built on humility, work ethic, and respect for collective values. Whether Lookman embraces this ethos again will shape not only his career trajectory but also Atalanta’s fortunes in the season ahead.