Atalanta manager Ivan Juric on Ademola Lookman’s exclusion: “I feel we need other things”

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Serie A side Atalanta have been facing a complicated situation involving Ademola Lookman and while the Nigerian could have been called up for the upcoming game against Lecce.

Manager Ivan Juric spoke to the press about the situation of the forward and he revealed that as Atalanta look for their first win of their season, Lookman doesn’t seem up for the game despite being available.

When asked about the player, the Croatian said: “Lookman won’t be with us. It’s a truly unpleasant situation. After a meeting with him, I feel we need other things – spirit, fight, humility, work, guys who have to feel the shirt well. Our guys have to do that. I don’t want anything else.”

Speaking further, Juric clarified: “I want a different human level, a different sense of belonging. I have a good relationship with him, but I don’t have to ask him. Damn, we’re Atalanta, I don’t have to beg him. He needs strong, human values.”

Lookman had asked to leave La Dea in the summer, with Atalanta having rejected an offer from Inter.

Despite their best attempts, the Nerazzurri didn’t land the ex-Fulham player and Lookman had also refused to train with Juric’s side in the hope of finding a new club.

As no solutions emerged and other bids were rejected, the Nigeria international remains in Bergamo but his future – as Juric points out, remains uncertain.