Lookman Defends Penalty Decision, Says Gasperini's Words 'Hurt'
Atalanta player Ademola Lookman responds to coach Gian Piero Gasperini's criticism after his penalty miss in the Champions League.
Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman has expressed his disappointment and hurt over coach Gian Piero Gasperini's comments following their Champions League exit. After Tuesday's 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge, Gasperini described Lookman as “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen, which Lookman deemed “deeply disrespectful.”
Lookman's penalty miss proved costly as Atalanta crashed out of the Champions League with a 5-2 aggregate defeat. Despite scoring 15 times this season, Lookman's saved penalty sparked Gasperini's criticism. However, Lookman felt singled out and disrespected by his coach's comments.
In a statement on X and Instagram, Lookman expressed his feelings, saying: “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's response highlighted the emotional impact of Gasperini's words.
— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) February 19, 2025
Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman has responded to coach Gian Piero Gasperini's criticism after his penalty miss in their Champions League exit. Lookman expressed his hurt and disappointment, stating: “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.” He added, “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.”
Lookman also addressed Gasperini's claim that he was not the designated penalty taker, revealing that he was instructed to take the penalty by the team's designated taker. Lookman explained: “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.” He concluded, “Life's about challenges and turning pain into power which I'll continue to do.”
Ademola Lookman releases a statement after Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini called him "one of the worst penalty takers" he’s ever seen following his miss vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League. pic.twitter.com/sErCt3W9Tu
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 19, 2025
Gasperini had been critical of Lookman's penalty-taking abilities, saying he has a “terrible record even in training.” The coach suggested that Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere would have been better options to take the penalty. However, Lookman's past performances, including his hat-trick in the Europa League final last season, demonstrate his capabilities as a clutch player.
No comments:
Leave comment here