Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has brushed aside the brief touchline altercation between himself and Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman during the club’s 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Olympique Marseille on Wednesday night.
The incident occurred late in the second half after Juric decided to substitute Lookman, who appeared visibly displeased as he made his way off the pitch. The coach was seen holding the forward’s arm while speaking to him, a moment that sparked reactions among spectators and viewers.
However, Juric dismissed any notion of conflict, insisting the situation was typical of football emotions and would be resolved privately within the dressing room.
“It’s the usual thing we’ve been commenting on every Sunday,” Juric told Sky Sport Italia after the match. “It happened with De Bruyne at Napoli — some players are not happy to be substituted, they don’t react well, and we sort these things out in the locker room.”
The Croatian tactician noted that such reactions are common among passionate players during intense moments, adding that the team’s collective objectives remain the priority.
“We all know these situations; we’ve all had them as players and as coaches — they happen in the heat of the moment,” he said. “What matters is Atalanta, the club, the team, and the fans. We do what is good for the team. I understand, I shake it all off, and we move forward.”
Lookman, who has been one of Atalanta’s standout performers this season, is expected to feature when the club returns to league action this weekend.
