Atalanta have explained why Ademola Lookman is not part of the squad featured against Lecce on Sunday, with the club reiterating it stance that only players who give their 100 per cent will always get a chance to play.
The Nigerian forward has returned to training after a turbulent summer but remains sidelined as head coach Ivan Juric and director Luca Percassi insist discipline and dedication must come first.
Club backs Juric’s firm stance
Lookman attempted to engineer a move to Inter during the transfer window, even spending two weeks away from Bergamo before rejoining the squad.
While speculation suggested he could be reinstated, Juric ruled out his participation in games for now, saying he would not “beg” players to play.
Percassi echoed that message in an interview with DAZN Italia. “I don’t have much to add to what the coach already said.
“Obviously, we are in total agreement with his comments,” the director stated. “We know how important Lookman is for Atalanta, but the club has some very basic principles, which is it needs players who are ready to give 100 per cent for this jersey and totally concentrated on our cause.”
He confirmed the forward was not called up for the Lecce match as a result of his situation.
A new era under Juric
Juric, who replaced long-serving manager Gian Piero Gasperini this summer, is tasked with instilling a competitive edge in a side still searching for their first win of the season following draws with Pisa and Parma.
Percassi underlined the club’s philosophy stating. “The history of this club is a battling spirit, and the coach fully embodies that idea, which is why we chose him.
“This is what the fans expect too, regardless of the quality of the individual players,” he said.