Lookman reflects on traumatic summer after goal against Frankfurt
Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman discusses getting back to work with Atalanta after a traumatic summer, starring in a 3-0 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt. ‘Some things people know, others they don’t.’
La Dea were dominant in Germany, taking the 3-0 victory with goals from Lookman, Ederson and Charles De Ketelaere, not to mention hitting the woodwork three times too.
It was the first win under new coach Raffaele Palladino, who had only made his debut at the weekend in a 3-1 loss to Napoli after replacing Ivan Juric.
“I think it’s important right now to get the victory, as 3-0 away from home is a really good result,” Lookman told Sky Sport Italia.
This also saw the reunion of the trident attack that won the Europa League Final in 2024, with Gianluca Scamacca fully recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his knee.
“Obviously, it’s very free and easy playing with Scamacca and De Ketelaere, because they are quality players. We just have to keep on working and improving as a team. We take this performance and hope to carry it on in the league.”
Palladino has brought a new approach to Atalanta, stating clearly that attack is the best form of defence for the coach.
“The Mister has a very clear idea of attacking and entertaining football, which you can see in the goals that we scored. Obviously, the DNA of pressing and hard work is in the team anyway, and we have to keep that going.”
Paolo Di Canio was in the Sky Sport Italia studio and asked Lookman how he managed to recreate the bond with his Atalanta teammates and fans after a summer where he fought so hard to join Inter and failed to force through the transfer.
“You know, what’s happened has happened. A lot’s gone on. Some things people know, others they don’t,” replied the Nigerian international.
“Right now is the time to work hard for the team, and we need to win games; that’s the most important thing, to get stronger every day. That is what I am concentrating on, and so is the team, working together every day to get results.”
Lookman urged Atalanta to replicate their UEFA Champions League form in Serie A.
“We need to take this form into the league and climb up the table in that respect, but tonight’s performance was very positive, good signs, and the team is feeling more confident now with the victory,” Lookman told UEFA TV after the match.
Speaking about the victory, Lookman said, “Big performance from the team, big result, 3-0 win away from home, so good victory.
“In the first half, we had a few chances and hit the post as well. Coming out in the second half, we knew we’d create chances again, just had to be patient, and wait on them, and we scored three goals pretty quickly.”
Atalanta’s domestic form has been less impressive. They currently sit 13th on the Serie A table with 13 points and face Fiorentina this weekend. A win could lift them into the top 10.
The former African Footballer of the Year is expected to leave Bergamo at the end of the season, with Galatasaray reportedly interested in pairing him with compatriot Victor Osimhen.
New Atalanta manager Palladino has praised Lookman’s commitment since his arrival, noting that the Nigerian gave him a good first impression and they are working together to restore the winning culture at the club.
