Atalanta’s newly appointed head coach, Raffaele Palladino, has shown strong confidence in Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, pledging that the player will remain a crucial part of his plans moving forward despite a difficult start to the season.
The manager, who took over the reins at the Bergamo-based club following a summer of uncertainty, is determined to help Lookman rediscover the form that made him one of the standout performers in Serie A last season.
During his first press conference as Atalanta head coach, Palladino praised Lookman’s talent and commitment, describing the 2024 African Player of the Year as a “fundamental” part of the squad’s future.
“I believe a lot in Lookman; I believe he is a strong player who can make the difference,” Palladino said.
“I called him, just as I did with all the others who were with the national team, and he presented himself well on his return from international duty.”
”I will decide his playing time based on what I see in training.”
Ademola Lookman has been struggling to find his rhythm after a turbulent summer transfer window.
However, Palladino’s faith in the player signals a fresh start under new leadership at the club.
Ademola Lookman Suffers Challenging Start to the Season
It has been a challenging season for Lookman both at the club and international levels.
The Nigerian forward pushed for a move away from Atalanta during the summer, seeking a new challenge, but the club firmly rejected his request, leading to a brief standoff between the player and management.
Tensions escalated when Lookman initially refused to return to training, but former manager Ivan Jurić managed to convince him to rejoin the squad.
Following his return, Lookman’s season has been far from smooth. In a high-profile clash against Olympique Marseille in the Champions League, cameras captured a heated exchange between Lookman and Jurić, which nearly escalated into a physical confrontation.
This public fallout added to the growing list of controversies surrounding the player.
The forward’s on-pitch struggles have also continued into the new season, with Lookman scoring just once in six matches for Atalanta so far.
His performances for the Nigerian national team have been similarly subdued, with the forward unable to make a significant impact in recent World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and in the playoff final against DR Congo.
In the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen, Lookman’s quiet performances have raised concerns about his ability to lead the line for both club and country.
“Lookman is a Key Player” – Atalanta Coach Palladino
Despite Lookman’s personal setbacks, Palladino remains optimistic that the forward can find his best form and become an integral part of Atalanta’s attack.
However, the new coach stated the importance of collective effort and a return to the club’s traditional values of hard work and resilience.
“We must rediscover the identity built on sacrifice and grit that has always distinguished Atalanta,” Palladino explained.
“The spirit of this team is what has made us successful in the past, and it’s something we need to restore if we are going to compete at the highest level.”
”We need to work together and find our identity again, and Lookman will be a key part of that.”
The manager is commitment to not just Lookman’s development but to the overall philosophy of the club.
Palladino will likely be hoping that his leadership can help the squad move past the difficulties of last season and build a cohesive, competitive unit.
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A Fresh Start for Lookman?
As the season progresses, both Lookman and Super Eagles will be hoping that the change in management brings a fresh start for the Nigerian forward.
Under Jurić, Lookman struggled with his role in the team and faced significant personal challenges, but with Palladino now at the helm, there is hope that the manager’s approach will reignite the forward’s confidence and form.
Atalanta will be hoping Palladino’s trust in Lookman pays off, with many excited to see the forward return to the explosive form that made him a fan favorite last season.
