Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman has publicly called out his coach Gian Piero Gasperini for making “deeply disrespectful” and hurtful comments about his penalty-taking ability. The strong rebuke comes after the Italian side was knocked out of the Champions League by Club Brugge in a shock 5-2 aggregate defeat.
Despite pulling a goal back to make it 3-1 on the night, Lookman saw his subsequent penalty saved by Brugge keeper Simon Mignolet. This prompted Gasperini to claim the Nigerian international, who has netted an impressive 15 goals this season, was “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen and should not have stepped up to take the spot kick.
Lookman Hits Back at “Hurtful” Remarks
Clearly stung by his manager’s public criticism, Lookman took to Instagram to express his disappointment and defend himself. In a heartfelt post, the 25-year-old striker wrote:
“Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.”
Lookman went on to reveal he has dealt with many difficult moments during his time at Atalanta, the majority of which he has kept private to protect the team. He said Gasperini’s comments made the Champions League exit “even more hurtful.”
Designated Penalty Taker Told Him to Step Up
Addressing the penalty incident directly, Lookman explained that he only took on the responsibility after being instructed to do so by the designated penalty taker. “To support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so,” he wrote, adding defiantly, “Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which I’ll continue to do.”
Gasperini Questions Lookman’s Penalty Record
For his part, Gasperini was scathing in his assessment of Lookman’s penalty taking prowess, insisting he has a “terrible record even in training.” The veteran Italian coach felt Mateo Retegui or Charles De Ketelaere would have been far better options in such a high-stakes moment.
Last Season’s Europa League Hero
Lookman’s fierce retort is all the more noteworthy given his talismanic performances for Atalanta last season. The pacy forward was the hero of their triumphant Europa League campaign, scoring a sensational hat-trick as they defeated the previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen in the final.
That Lookman now finds himself in his manager’s firing line, despite his goal scoring exploits, indicates a relationship that has turned sour. With tensions spilling out into the public domain, it remains to be seen whether player and coach can resolve their differences for the good of the team.
Crucial Point in Atalanta’s Season
The ill-timed dispute comes at a pivotal juncture for Atalanta. While their Champions League hopes are over for another year, Gasperini’s men still have much to play for domestically. Currently sitting just outside the top four in Serie A, a strong finish to the league campaign could yet secure a return to Europe’s elite club competition.
For that to happen, Atalanta will need Lookman firing on all cylinders and a spirit of unity within the squad. Gasperini may feel his blunt remarks were justified, but he must be careful not to alienate one of his star performers. Likewise, Lookman will have to channel his obvious sense of injustice into making a positive impact on the pitch.
How this very public falling out between player and coach is managed in the coming days and weeks could well define Atalanta’s season. Will it provoke a siege mentality and inspire the team to new heights? Or will simmering resentment and divided loyalties drag them down? For the sake of the club’s passionate supporters, all concerned will hope a swift resolution and focus on shared goals proves possible.
