Atalanta’s Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman, has expressed disappointment after his coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, criticized his penalty-taking skills. This happened after Atalanta lost 3-1 to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League knockout round play-offs.
Lookman scored a goal in the match and had a chance to score again from a penalty. However, he missed the kick, which could have helped Atalanta fight back from their first-leg loss.
After the game, Gasperini was unhappy with Lookman’s decision to take the penalty.
“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” the coach said.
He explained that Lookman took the penalty even though the team’s usual penalty takers, Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere, were on the field.
“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball even though Retegui and De Ketelaere were there to take it. I didn’t like what Lookman did,” Gasperini added.
In response, Lookman clarified that the penalty taker actually gave him the chance to take the shot.
“It hurts to have to make this statement, especially after all we have achieved as a team and as a city. Being singled out this way is painful and feels disrespectful. I have always worked hard and given my best for this club and the amazing fans in Bergamo,
” Lookman said.I have faced many tough times here, but I never spoke about them because I believe the team always comes first. That’s why last night’s events hurtm ofe even more.”
