Is there a rift between Gian Piero Gasperini and Ademola Lookman? After Atalanta's elimination from the Champions League playoffs against Bruges, the Nerazzurri coach pointed the finger at the Nigerian striker, guilty of having missed the penalty that could have reopened the match.
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“I think Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I have ever seen. He takes them very badly, even in training he has a very low conversion rate”, Gasperini said in a press conference, commenting on the 3-1 defeat in Belgium. The Nigerian, who came on as a substitute, had given his team hope with the goal for 1-3, only to then miss a possible 2-3 from eleven meters, seeing his shot saved by Mignolet.
The Nerazzurri coach also contested Lookman's decision to take responsibility from the penalty spot: “Retegui and De Ketelaere were ready to shoot, but in the heat of the moment he scored, he wanted to shoot. I didn't like it at all”.
Lookman's response: "Disrespectful words"
Harsh words, which found an immediate response from Lookman. The attacker entrusted his outburst to a Instagram stories, expressing bitterness for the statements of his coach: “It saddens me to have to write this statement on a day like this, especially for all that we have accomplished together as a team and as a city.”
“Being singled out in this way not only hurts me, but I find it deeply disrespectful, considering the hard work and commitment I put in every day for the club and for the fans of Bergamo. " The Nerazzurri number 11 then revealed a behind-the-scenes story on the management of the penalty: “The designated penalty taker instructed me to take it, so I took responsibility for the good of the team. Life is about challenges and turning pain into strength. I will continue to do so.”
Article published on 19 February 2025 - 16:44
