New Delhi: Ademola Lookman has openly criticised his coach Gian Piero Gasperini after Atalanta’s Champions League exit against Club Brugge. The Nigerian forward, who won the African Ballon d’Or last year, was singled out by Gasperini for missing a penalty in the second half of their 3-1 defeat. The result saw Atalanta crash out with a 5-2 aggregate loss.
Lookman had come on at half-time and immediately scored, setting a new Champions League record for the fastest goal by a substitute. But his night took a turn when Simon Mignolet saved his 61st-minute penalty. Gasperini later stated that Lookman was not supposed to take the penalty and went as far as calling him “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.
Tension between Ademola Lookman and Gasperini
— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) February 19, 2025
The striker didn’t take the criticism lightly. He responded on social media, calling the comments “deeply disrespectful” and highlighting his commitment to the club. Lookman revealed that he had taken the penalty after being instructed by the designated taker and stressed that he always put the team first.
“Being singled out in this way not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful,” Lookman said. “I have dealt with many difficult moments here, most of which I never spoke about because the team must always be protected.”
Lookman has scored four of his six penalties in Europe’s top five leagues, but Gasperini claimed the forward’s penalty record in training was poor. He argued that Mateo Retegui or Charles De Ketelaere should have taken the spot-kick instead.
Despite the public fallout, Lookman remains determined to move forward. “Life is about challenges and turning pain into power,” he added. However, the situation has raised concerns about the atmosphere in Atalanta’s dressing room at a crucial stage of the season.
Lookman was Atalanta’s hero last season, scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final to help them beat Bayer Leverkusen. But after this incident, his future under Gasperini could be uncertain.
Ademola Lookman called Gian Piero Gasperini’s criticism “deeply disrespectful” after the Atalanta coach labelled him one of the worst penalty takers following their Champions League exit against Club Brugge. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
