‘Deeply disrespectful’ – Lookman FIRES BACK at his manager Gasperini after criticism | OneFootball

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini did not hold back in his post-match criticism of Ademola Lookman after the forward’s penalty miss as his side exited the Champions League after losing 5-2 on aggregate against Club Brugge.

The Italian side went 3-0 behind before half-time before Lookman pulled a goal back at the start of the second half.

But Gasperini ripped into the Nigerian after he then missed a penalty in the 61st minute that could have made it 5-3 on aggregate and 3-2 on the night.

The Atalanta manager said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. He has a frankly terrible record, even in training, he converts very few of them.

“Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”

Lookman has released a statement of his own in response to the criticism from his manager: “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city.

“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.

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