Atalanta’s Lookman Hits Out At Manager’s ‘Hurtful’ Words After Penalty Miss

Atalanta striker, Ademola Lookman, said his coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s comments describing him as “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen after Tuesday’s Champions League exit were “deeply disrespectful” and hurtful.

Belgian club Brugge shocked Atalanta with a 3-1 victory in the second leg of their playoff tie, eliminating the Italian team with a 5-2 aggregate score and securing a place in the last 16.

Lookman managed to score a consolation goal for Atalanta when they were trailing 3-0.

However, the Nigerian forward, who has scored 15 goals this season, saw his penalty attempt saved as the team exited the competition. Following the match, Gasperini revealed that Lookman did not intend to take the penalty.

“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,” Lookman wrote on Instagram.

“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 at the moment to do so. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which I’ll continue to do.”

Gasperini said Lookman has a “terrible record even in training”, adding that Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere were better options to take the spot kick.

Lookman was Atalanta’s hero last season when they won the Europa League, scoring a hat-trick in the final when they beat Bayer Leverkusen who had been undefeated all season.