Atalanta manager Ivan Juric has downplayed the touchline confrontation involving Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman during the UEFA Champions League clash with Olympique Marseille, insisting the incident has been resolved and that there is no lingering tension between them, Footynaija.com reports.
The Atalanta forward was substituted in the second half of the goalless draw in France, an exchange that drew attention after television cameras caught a heated moment between both men.
The Super Eagles winger, who has been a consistent performer for club and country, appeared unhappy with the decision as he walked off the pitch.
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In the aftermath, reports circulated that the disagreement reflected a deeper strain within the squad, with some suggesting that the reaction highlighted Lookman’s frustration following a series of intense fixtures across competitions.
However, Juric has now clarified the situation and assured supporters that the matter has been put to rest.
“Lookman always works well; that reaction is something that can happen every now and then. Ademola is unusual; you get over it. And sometimes these incidents help improve relationships: with Carnesecchi we have opened up, and I feel much closer to him now,” Juric said, per a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The coach also reflected on the disallowed goal in Marseille, which denied Lookman and full-back Raoul Bellanova a moment of shared celebration.
“The joy of the goal denied in Marseille due to offside was taken away not only from Lookman but also from Bellanova, who had crossed for the Nigerian,” he added.
“He struggled, but he played a great game in Marseille, and I hope he continues to rise.”
