Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric believes that La Dea fans are the main victims of the ongoing standoff between Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman and the club’s ownership, Footynaija.com reports.
Lookman’s relationship with the Bergamo-based club has suffered severe deterioration with the former RB Leipzig star trying but failing to force a move away this summer after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Inter Milan.
Despite all the drama that followed, Atalanta refused to sanction Lookman’s departure to a direct domestic rival. As a result, the want-away Nigeria international remains on the books of La Dea as they gear up to kick off their 25/26 Serie A campaign.
Pressed for his take on the situation, Atalanta’s boss Juric expressed sympathy for the fans, who are emotionally invested in the affairs of the club as opposed to the player and the management who were only looking after their personal interests.
“The Lookman situation is typical of the transfer market in recent years,” Juric said in quotes revealed by Corriere dello Sport.
“These situations punish the fans, while the player and the club look after their own interest.
“The fans put their heart and soul into it, and so they feel bad. The battle is between emotions and cool heads.”
While Lookman is still an Atalanta player, he remains ostracized from the rest of his teammates with reports suggesting that the reigning African Player of the Year is continuing his search for an escape route.
In the absence of Lookman, who has been Atalanta’s best player for the last three years, Juric will be looking to start his reign at the helm with a win against newly promoted Pisa on Sunday night.