Atalanta coach downplays touchline dispute with Nigerian winger Lookman

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Boluwatife Kehinde
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‎Atalanta boss Ivan Juric has dismissed concerns over a brief altercation with Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman, saying the matter will be handled privately within the squad.
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‎The 28-year-old Lookman appeared visibly upset after being substituted in the second half of Atalanta’s 1–0 UEFA Champions League victory over Olympique Marseille on Wednesday night.
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‎The situation briefly escalated when Juric grabbed the player’s arm, leading to a heated exchange before teammates and staff intervened to calm Lookman down.
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‎Although Lookman did not speak publicly after the match, Juric addressed the incident during his post-match press conference, describing it as a normal emotional reaction in football.
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‎“It’s something that happens all the time,” Juric said. “We saw it with De Bruyne at Napoli — players don’t always take substitutions well. These things happen in the heat of the moment, and we deal with them in the dressing room.”
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‎He added, “Everyone involved in football understands these situations. What’s most important is Atalanta — the club, the team, and the fans. We always do what’s best for the group. Emotions run high, but I understand, we move on, and we stay united.”
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‎Lookman, who reportedly sought a move away from the club last summer, has struggled to replicate his top form this season but remains a key figure in Juric’s squad.