Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana says working under Ivan Juric feels like the perfect fit, describing the Atalanta boss as the kind of coach who truly understands how to bring the best out of him.
The pair reunited in Bergamo this summer after both departing Southampton, Juric taking over the reins at Atalanta and Sulemana making the switch from the Premier League to Serie A. Their connection, first forged in England, appears to be flourishing once again in Italy.
Juric wasted no time moving for his former player once his appointment was confirmed, and the decision has quickly paid off. The 22-year-old has made a vibrant start to life in Serie A, netting twice in his opening six matches, already equalling his best return from last season at Southampton.
“Juric is the perfect coach for me, both tactically and technically. He trusted me right away when I arrived at Southampton,” Sulemana told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
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“He’s a mentor to me; he helps me find the right position on the pitch, whether I attack or defend. He’s a teacher, and I’m a student. I trust him and always want to improve,” he added.
Under Juric’s guidance, Atalanta have started strongly, sitting sixth in Serie A with ten points from their first six fixtures.
The club has also secured its maiden win in this season’s Champions League campaign — a sign of growing confidence within the squad.
Sulemana will look to maintain his electric form when Atalanta welcome Lazio to the Gewiss Stadium, as he continues to thrive under a coach he calls his “perfect match.”