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Atalanta boss Ivan Juric says his dispute with forward Ademola Lookman, which flared up after the Champions League victory over Marseille, is firmly in the past and has even served to strengthen their relationship.
Speaking ahead of the teamโs Serie A fixture against Sassuolo, the passionate Croatian manager addressed the recent incident involving the Nigerian international, who had a goal disallowed for offside during the excellent win at the Velodrome.
Juric confirmed that the matter is settled and the player is fully integrated back into the squad.
He said, via Gazzetta dello Sport: โLookman trained regularly with the team on Friday and the Marseille case is closed,โ Juric stated to the press.
The manager then elaborated on the nature of the disagreement, suggesting that such flashes of temper are a normal part of the game and can sometimes lead to a better connection between player and coach.
โHe always works well, that reaction is something that can happen occasionally,โ Juric explained. โAdemola is particular, we get over it. And sometimes these episodes help to improve relationships.โ
To illustrate his point, Juric cited a similar situation with one of his other players, goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, indicating that an initial conflict had led to greater understanding.
โWe opened up with Carnesecchi in a similar manner, and now I feel him much closer,โ he added.
Juric is now focused on translating the teamโs European momentum into domestic results, stressing the need for immediate points to climb the league table. With the matter closed, Lookman is expected to play a key role in Atalantaโs attacking lineup as they push for a Champions League spot.
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Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN
