Ademola Lookman was prevented from a possible exchange of blows with coach of Atalanta Ivan Juric after he was subbed off in their 1-0 win over French side Ajax in the UEFA Champions League, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Lookman was subbed off with 15 minutes left to play in the game, and the reigning Africa Player of the Year made his feelings known to Juric, while walking off with the manager not helping matters by trying to drag him off.
Clearly frustrated by having a goal chalked off after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), Lookman was held from attacking his manager from other backroom staff after he was dragged back by the manager.
In the absence of Lookman, 23 year old Serbian Lazar Samardžić emerged as the hero for the Italian side with what ended as the match winner in the second minute of time added on.
Speaking after the game, Juric played it down as normal citing examples with instances elsewhere and said it will be handled in the dressing room.
“These things happen every Sunday, like De Bruyne for Conte. Players don’t accept the change, but these things are resolved later in the dressing room. We all know these situations. These things happen, it can be a bit exaggerated in the heat of the moment, but what matters is Atalanta. For the good of the team, you have to behave well. For me, everything is over, the important thing is to win at Sassuolo.” He then concluded by complimenting one of his players:
“I have to give huge compliments to Krstovic for the work he’s done. We’re happy because we needed a win like this. Now we have to get back on track in the league, we’re a bit behind schedule.”
