Ademola Lookman has started playing for Atalanta again after missing the the first four games of the season…
Atalanta coach Ivan Juric has asked Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman to show some spirit when he returns to action after the international break, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman had a turbulent summer at Atalanta. He was expected to leave for a bigger club after an impressive three-year stay that saw him lead the club to their maiden UEFA Europa League title.
However, Atalanta frustrated solid offers from Inter Milan, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich. So, with two years left on his contract, he had to stay in Bergamo.
Due to his troubles, Lookman did not participate in pre-season. He also refused to play in the first four games of the campaign, which made Juric complain about his attitude publicly.
He eventually returned to action last month, in a Serie A game against Torino. But since he started playing, he has not been directly involved in a goal for club and country.
Nonetheless Atalanta boss, Juric is banking on his quality. The Croatian tactician has expressed his satisfaction with the Super Eagles star’s attitude, but he wants to see more.
“I hope that he will return from international duty with the same attitude that I saw in the last two or three weeks that he worked with us, where I had no complaints,” Juric told Sport Mediaset, per Football Italia.
“It was a great attitude, really positive, and I want to make up for the time we lost over the summer. He is not yet at his best, but I hope to see the right spirit from him.”
Ademola Lookman Set To Return Against Lazio
Ademola Lookman will likely return to action against Lazio in the Serie A this weekend, as coach Ivan Juric will be banking on him to deliver the goods.
The Nigerian forward, who turns 28 later this month, will have to return to his best as soon as possible.
He now has competition at Atalanta, with Ghanain winger Kamaldeen Sulemana looking to hold onto a starting shirt at the club.
If he does not start delivering the goals and assists soon, he might have to spend more time on the bench.