Atalanta is experiencing instability again in Italy - this time, one of the team's key players, Nigerian striker Ademola Lukman, is at the center of the scandal. According to Goal Italia, during the Champions League match against Marseille (0-0), he openly argued with head coach Ivan Yurich.
When Yurich decided to replace Lukman in the 74th minute, the player was very displeased. As he was leaving the field, he said a few things to the coach, and Yurich, in turn, responded sharply. In an instant, a dispute erupted between them, and the assistant coaches barely managed to calm the situation.
After the meeting, Ivan Yurich answered questions about this and explained that "this is just emotions, nothing more." However, the television footage clearly showed that the situation had become more serious.
Some Italian journalists claim that the root of this situation can be traced back to the summer transfer window. Back then, Luqman wanted to leave Atalanta and didn't even come to the training camp for a few days. Inter Milan showed serious interest in him, but the Bergamo club refused to lower the asking price for the striker. That's why the transfer didn't happen.
After that, Lukman returned to the team, playing seven of the last eight games in the starting lineup and scoring an important goal against AC Milan. However, the scandal surrounding the match against Marseille shows that the relationship between Lukman and Jurić is still not entirely stable.
Journalists say that if the dispute isn't resolved, Luqman's future at Atalanta could be in doubt. It is also possible that he will find a new team during the winter transfer window.
Next week, Atalanta will face Sassuolo. This match will be a test for Lukman: whether he plays in the starting lineup or not - this very decision could determine his position on the team.
As reported by the Italian sports press, the internal atmosphere at Atalanta is currently unstable. The tension between the attacking leader and the coach is likely to affect the club's future results. Fans hope that this situation will stabilize in the near future.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
