Lookman: Gasperini’s criticism ‘deeply disrespectful’

Says ‘I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here’

Atlanta star, Ademola Lookman, has expressed shock over the stinging criticism from his manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, who described him as “one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen” following his miss on Tuesday in a UEFA Champions League game against Club Brugge.

Lookman missed a spot kick that Gasperini claimed he was not meant to take as Atalanta crashed out of the Champions League. The Serie A side were defeated 5-2 on aggregate by Club Brugge following a 3-1 loss at the Gewiss Stadium.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side were already trailing 3-0 when Lookman scored after 46 minutes before Atalanta were awarded a penalty to offer a glimmer of hope of a comeback. Charlton academy product Lookman took it upon himself to step up from 12 yards out but saw his effort saved by ex-Liverpool and Sunderland shot-stopper, Simon Mignolet.

Lookman’s actions saw him brutally slammed by his manager, who said he had preferred options on the pitch to take responsibility from the spot. The 67-year-old coach did not hold back in his assessment.

“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” said Gasperini.

“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.”

Reacting to Gasperini’s claims, the 27-year-old Lookman suggested such comments should not have been made publically as he was instructed to take the penalty. Lookman noted he had previously protected the team and that has made Gasperini’s comments even more disappointing.

“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,” he wrote on social media.

“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 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.”

It is not the first time Lookman has drawn ire from a manager over his penalty-taking exploits. While on loan at Fulham in 2020, the winger had the opportunity to equalise from the spot against West Ham with the last kick of the game.

Lookman attempted a 98th-minute panenka but his chipped effort simply landed into Lukasz Fabianski’s hands. Cottagers boss, Scott Parker vented his anger following the defeat.

“I’m disappointed and angry,” Parker told Match of the Day. “You can’t take penalties like that and he knows that. He’s a young player and he’s learning.”

Parker was a bit more forgiving than Gasperini however. The former Newcastle and Tottenham midfielder put the miss down to inexperience in part, an excuse Lookman no longer has.

He added: “The boy has made a mistake. Ade is the first to understand that. When you’re young and you’re learning you have to learn quickly. He is disappointed and rightly so. This is part and parcel of football, of growing as players and as a team. We’ll get around him now.”