Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta teammate discussed the Nigerian’s current situation at the club.
Atalanta midfielder Miguel de Roon recently weighed in on Ademola Lookman’s situation after Ivan Juric’s recent uncompromising message on the Nigerian’s future at the club.
What De Roon said
Atalanta are set to play UCL champions Paris Saint-Germain, and the Netherlands international midfielder looks forward to the tie, confident in his team’s ability to achieve a favourable result.
“We’re playing against the strongest team in Europe; they have a lot of pace, top-class players. We have to give our all and be hungry to get a result,” he said, per Di Marzio.
“It’s always possible to win; the ball is round. Paris is a strong team; except for the Club World Cup, they’ve won everything. We’ve always been good away from home in Europe; we want to show that even with Juric, we’re a top-class team. We want to be up to the task of facing the best in Europe.”
De Roon was then asked about Lookman, who, despite being included in the Champions League squad, will not feature against the Parisiens and has yet to play for La Dea this season.
Lookman tried to force an exit from the club and spent the better part of pre-season on strike. He had no choice but to return to training when the transfer window shut, but has yet to feature.
“He didn’t bother us,” De Roon insisted, per Di Marzio. ‘I don’t want to waste too much time. We’re focusing on the team and who’s there. We’re always here, and I think there will always be an opening.”
Juric’s stance
As Pulse Sports reported, Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric publicly criticised Ademola Lookman, confirming that the Nigerian forward will not be part of the squad. The coach’s comments underline the strained relationship between player and club after a turbulent summer.’
Juric did not mince words when addressing Lookman’s situation in his pre-match press conference. “Ademola will not be ready for tomorrow,” the coach said, before expanding on his reasons.
He stressed that Atalanta needed “spirit, humility, passion for the shirt,” qualities he believes are currently lacking from the forward.
