Ademola Lookman has strongly countered Gian Piero Gasperini’s “deeply disrespectful” criticism after Atalanta’s Champions League elimination against Club Brugge.
The Italian side’s European campaign ended in disappointment following a 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge, sealing their elimination with a 5-2 aggregate scoreline.
Lookman, who had just ignited hope with a goal after coming on as a second-half substitute, was given the chance to further close the gap with a penalty. However, former Liverpool and Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet denied his effort, quashing any possibility of a late comeback.
Gasperini did not shy away from expressing his displeasure with Lookman’s penalty attempt in his post-match statements.
Speaking to the press, Gasperini made it clear that Lookman had no business taking the spot-kick, insisting that Charles De Ketelaere or Mateo Retegui should have stepped up instead.
“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.
“He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all,” Gasperini told reporters.
In response to his coach’s stinging remarks, Lookman took to social media to voice his disappointment, describing Gasperini’s comments as unfair and hurtful.
“It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city,” Lookman wrote on Instagram.
“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.
In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.
“Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result. During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which I’ll continue to do.”
Despite the fallout from the penalty controversy, Atalanta must regroup swiftly. Currently sitting third in the Serie A table, they are five points behind leaders Napoli. Their next challenge comes on Sunday against Empoli, a crucial match in their pursuit of a strong league finish.
With the Champions League setback now behind them, Lookman and his teammates must shift their focus to domestic success as they look to bounce back from this disappointment.
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