Lookman cryptic comment on being happy with Atalanta after summer drama

Ademola Lookman made some rather cryptic comments when asked if he was finally happy with Atalanta, while Mario Pasalic relished facing Luka Modric in a Milan shirt.

It was a relatively even match in Bergamo this evening, continuing the unbeaten streak for both sides, but also lacking in victories.

La Dea have now drawn five on the bounce in Serie A, while it was the second stalemate for the Rossoneri, who were held 2-2 by Pisa on Friday evening.

Samuele Ricci had opened the scoring, but it was cancelled out by the first goal Lookman has scored for Atalanta since his failed attempt to force an Inter transfer in the summer.

“It’s important to be available for the team, to help the team,” Lookman told DAZN Italia.

“I’ve not been able to find form yet, physically or in front of goal, but I’ll get there eventually and this was a step forward in the right direction. Hopefully in the coming games we’ll be able to get some wins.”

Although Lookman has made it abundantly clear he does not want to talk about the past or what happened in recent months, he was asked if this was the night that finally made him happy to be with Atalanta.

His response was somewhat cryptic and suggested the rapport with the club behind the scenes remains tense.

“I think that when I’m on the pitch, the most important thing is to try to help the team win. We want to keep climbing up the table and that’s the most important thing, to win football games.”

His goal celebration was at best muted, showing little excitement or emotion as his teammates crowded around him.

Pasalic was in the starting XI this evening in a more advanced trequartista role supporting the two strikers, Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere, and took the captain’s armband when Marten de Roon went off with an adductor issue.

“We played our game, as we have done largely this season other than the first half against Cremonese. We attacked, pressed high, unfortunately we can’t seem to get this win that would be the turning point,” Pasalic told DAZN Italia.

“We are creating chances, but to win we need to be more concrete upfront.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Atalanta 1-1 Milan

This is a new era under Ivan Juric after nine years of Gian Piero Gasperini, although they are aided by the fact Gasp was Juric’s mentor.

“I already knew the way the coach played, and those of us who have been here many years were already accustomed to this type of tactical work. He is asking for some different things and we are getting there.”

Tonight was an extra pleasure for Croatia international Pasalic, who got to face legend Modric, and even got the veteran booked for a shirt tug.

“It is always a joy to play against a star like Modric, few can play like this at age 40.”