Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has delivered a stylish response to former Atalanta coach Ivan Juric after finding the net in the UEFA Champions League, marking a significant turning point in his season.
Managerial Change Sparks Lookman's Revival
The Super Eagles forward finally broke his celebration drought during Atalanta's impressive 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, a match that saw three goals scored within six frantic minutes. This marked the first time this season that Lookman properly celebrated scoring, having remained subdued after his goal against AC Milan earlier in the campaign.
The dramatic shift in Lookman's fortunes coincided directly with the departure of former head coach Ivan Juric, who was dismissed by the club on November 10 following a disappointing run of results. The Croatian manager's exit came after several turbulent months in charge that saw Atalanta's signature attacking style become increasingly unrecognizable.
Touchline Clash and Strained Relationship
Tensions between Lookman and his former coach had been visibly simmering for weeks. The pair engaged in a heated touchline confrontation during Atalanta's narrow 1-0 win over Olympique Marseille, confirming rumors of their strained professional relationship.
Ironically, Juric had been instrumental in keeping Lookman at the club against the player's wishes during the summer transfer window. The manager had explicitly told Atalanta's hierarchy that he considered the Nigerian forward an essential part of his plans, despite Lookman's apparent desire for a move elsewhere.
New Era Under Palladino
Speaking after the commanding victory over Frankfurt, Lookman didn't hesitate to praise new manager Rafaelle Palladino while taking a subtle jab at Juric's tactical approach. "The Mister has a very clear idea of attacking and entertaining football, which you can see in the goals that we scored," Lookman told Sky Sports Italia.
The 2024 African Footballer of the Year emphasized that while the team maintains its core principles, the attacking philosophy has dramatically improved. "Obviously, the DNA of pressing and hard work is in the team anyway, and we have to keep that going."
Lookman also expressed his comfort playing alongside familiar attacking partners Charles de Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca, the same trio that previously led Atalanta to Europa League glory in 2024. "Obviously, it's very free and easy playing with Scamacca and De Ketelaere, because they are quality players. We just have to keep on working and improving as a team."
With Atalanta currently sitting 13th in Serie A with only 13 points from 12 matches, Lookman stressed the importance of carrying this Champions League form into domestic competition. The team faces relegation-threatened Fiorentina next, another club that has recently parted ways with its manager following poor results.
