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The former AC Milan and Italy boss said he would have reacted the same way as Ivan Juric in his spat with Ademola Lookman
Former AC Milan coach and two-time Champions League winner Arrigo Sacchi has weighed in on the heated altercation between Ademola Lookman and Atalanta manager Ivan Juric during their 1–0 win over Marseille in the Champions League.
Sacchi defended Juric’s reaction, saying he would have “reacted in the same way” and urged Lookman to show greater respect for his coach’s decisions.
Sacchi backs Juric’s reaction
The dramatic late victory, sealed by Lazar Samardzic’s 90th-minute goal, was overshadowed by Lookman’s public spat with Juric after being substituted in the second half with the score still goalless.
The Nigerian forward appeared visibly frustrated as he left the pitch, prompting Juric to grab his arm in a tense exchange that required staff to intervene.
While many fans online criticised Juric for manhandling the player, Sacchi saw it differently. Writing in his La Gazzetta dello Sport column, the legendary Italian tactician said, “I was sorry to see the argument between him and Lookman after the striker’s substitution.
“I tried to put myself in Juric’s shoes, and I concluded that I would’ve reacted in that way as well.”
‘The coach must be respected’ – Sacchi
Sacchi went on to stress that discipline and mutual respect are vital within any successful dressing room.
“Players don’t always understand that the coach always needs to be respected, even if you don’t agree with their decisions,” he added.
The former Italy boss expressed hope that the incident would soon be resolved for the sake of team unity, saying, “I hope that this incident will be clarified quickly, and that they draw a line under it for the good of the group.”
The comments have sparked debate among fans, with some agreeing that Lookman’s reaction was out of line, while others feel Juric overstepped by confronting his player so aggressively.