Lookman calls the criticism of his penalty by his own coach ‘profoundly disrespectful’
Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman has denounced remarks made by his coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who called him “one of the worst penalty takers” he has encountered, labeling them as “profoundly disrespectful.”
Lookman netted a goal just 34 seconds after entering as a substitute at halftime, but he also failed to convert a penalty as Atalanta was eliminated from the Champions League by Club Brugge on Tuesday.
Following the game, Gasperini remarked that Lookman wasn’t meant to take the penalty and asserted that the 27-year-old had a “frankly awful record even during training.”
“Being targeted in this way is not only painful but also feels profoundly disrespectful, especially considering the tremendous effort and dedication I consistently contribute each day to achieve success for this club and its amazing supporters in Bergamo,” Lookman expressed on social media on Wednesday.
The Nigeria international stated: “Honestly, I have faced numerous challenging times while being here – most of which I have kept to myself because I believe the team should always be safeguarded and prioritized.”
“This makes last night’s events even more painful.” Together with our amazing fans, we as a team are also feeling the pain from last night’s outcome.”
Gasperini stated that either Mateo Retegui or Charles de Ketelaere ought to have executed the penalty.
Nevertheless, Lookman stated that “the appointed penalty taker” directed him to take it.
“Italian Gasperini stated that Lookman wasn’t meant to take that penalty, as he is among the worst penalty takers I’ve ever witnessed.”
“His training record is frankly poor, as he converts very few of them.” Retegui and De Ketelaere were present, but Lookman, in a fit of excitement after scoring, chose to take the ball, which was a gesture I really did not like at all.
Prior to the Champions League elimination last night, Lookman maintained a flawless penalty record for Atalanta, converting all four penalties he took.
The current African Footballer of the Year has successfully scored four out of six penalties throughout his professional career, including a missed attempt for Fulham when he tried a Panenka-style kick in 2020.
Lookman netted a hat-trick as Atalanta overcame Bayer Leverkusen in the previous year’s Europa League final, and he now has 15 goals for his team across all competitions this season.
However, the Serie A team was defeated 3-1 by Club Brugge in the second leg, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate loss and elimination from the last 16.
Following his remarks on social media, the official X account of Nigeria’s men’s national squad shared a post backing the forward.
“We support you, Ade,” the note stated.
