Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has expressed disbelief over the scathing remarks from his manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, after missing a penalty in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Club Brugge.
Lookman, who had given his side a lifeline with a goal early in the second half, was left stunned as Gasperini branded him “one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen.”
Atalanta crashed out of the competition with a 5-2 aggregate defeat following a 3-1 loss at the Gewiss Stadium. With the Serie A side already trailing 3-0, Lookman’s 46th-minute strike offered a glimmer of hope before the team was awarded a crucial penalty. The Nigerian international stepped up to take the spot-kick, only for his effort to be saved by former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Gasperini’s post-match comments revealed that Lookman was not among his designated penalty takers, further fueling the criticism. The 67-year-old coach made no effort to soften the blow, insisting that better options were available on the pitch. His remarks have sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some questioning the public nature of his rebuke.
Reacting to the controversy, Lookman admitted he was taken aback by the harshness of his manager’s words. “I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here,” he said, hinting at the challenges he has faced under Gasperini’s leadership.
Despite the setback, Lookman remains one of Atalanta’s key attacking players, having delivered crucial performances throughout the season. His ability to bounce back from adversity has been evident in the past, and he will be eager to silence his critics with strong displays in the remaining domestic fixtures.
The fallout from the incident raises questions about Gasperini’s approach to player management, with some suggesting his criticism could damage morale within the squad. Others argue that Lookman’s decision to take the penalty without approval warranted a stern response.
As Atalanta shifts focus to their Serie A campaign, all eyes will be on Lookman to see how he responds to the latest challenge in his career.
