Juric: ‘Lookman unlikely for PSG game, Atalanta need players who want to be here’ | OneFootball

Ivan Juric confirms Ademola Lookman will probably be left out of Atalanta’s Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain. ‘We need players who want to be there, it’s an unpleasant situation.’

The Nigeria international was a key figure in their Europa League victory in 2024, but his summer tantrum when failing to force through a transfer to Inter left him stranded.

He abandoned training for over two weeks, then returned when nobody was prepared to pay the €50m asking price, but his attitude has been unimpressive.

Juric warning over Lookman attitude

EMPOLI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC reacts during the Serie A match between Empoli and Atalanta at Stadio Carlo Castellani on February 23, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“It will be a great joy for us to play PSG, the strongest team in the world at this moment,” Juric told DAZN Italia after a 4-1 Serie A victory over Lecce.

“We must be perfect, hoping that in turn they are not at their best. We’re confident that we can have our say. It will be a special moment for me too, as it is my debut in the Champions League as a coach.”

Lookman was left out of the squad today because he showed a lack of commitment in training, so is the door open for him to be there against PSG?

“I don’t think so, it’s an unpleasant situation, it is really not good,” confessed Juric.

“He gave a lot to Atalanta, but Atalanta gave a lot to him too. We need players who are ready and want to be there, who care about the club and want to improve. We’ll see what happens in future.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Pisa SC at Gewiss Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Atalanta took a while to break Lecce down today, eventually dominating with a Charles De Ketelaere brace, Giorgio Scalvini header and Nicola Zalewski finish.

“It was a difficult game, the first half was tough, but we loosened up after the break and could’ve scored more goals. The lads gave their all and deserve this success,” continued the coach.

“We were too slow moving the ball in the first half and tried to force the game, whereas once we relaxed, it became easier. De Ketelaere is a splendid lad, with so much quality, and he puts a lot of effort in too.”