'Despite his hat-trick in Europa League' - Slavia coach vows to keep Atalanta star Lookman quiet

Slavia Prague manager Jindřich Trpišovský has vowed to keep Ademola Lookman quiet when his side face Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

Lookman has been a crucial figure for the Italian club since joining from RB Leipzig, famously scoring a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final that secured Atalanta's first-ever European title. 

However, the Nigerian forward has struggled to rediscover that form this season, going four matches without a goal or assist.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Trpišovský said his team would not focus solely on Lookman but would prepare collectively to neutralize Atalanta's attacking threats. 

"More than the individual, we need to analyze the team. Atalanta plays differently than us, and then we'll see if Ademola Lookman plays or not," he was quoted as saying by Tutto Atalanta. 

Aside from the Nigerian international, Trpišovský also mentioned Nikola Krstović and Kamaldeen Sulemana as players his team must be wary of.

"For example, there's Krstovic, whom we know well: he's a player who performed well in the Slovakian league. Sulemana is a very good player, and Bellanova is surprising for his speed."

However, the Slavia Prague boss maintained that his side is fully prepared to prevent Lookman from replicating his outstanding performance in the 2024 Europa League final.

"We'll be ready to contain them, including Lookman despite his hat-trick in the Europa League."

Lookman, who reportedly pushed for a move to Inter Milan during the summer, will be hoping to end his goal drought and inspire Atalanta to another European victory after their win over Club Brugge in the previous round.

Adeyemi Adewale

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