“Deeply disrespectful”-Lookman fires back at Atalanta coach over penalty criticism

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has released an official statement in response to the heavy criticism from his coach after missing a penalty kick in a Champions League match.

The 27-year-old forward expressed disappointment at being singled out but reaffirmed his dedication to the team and the fans.

Below is the full text of Lookman’s statement:

“It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – 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 wonderful 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.”

What happened

Lookman was heavily criticized by his own manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, following Atalanta’s Champions League exit at the hands of Club Brugge on Tuesday night.

The Italian coach described the Nigerian forward as “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen” after Lookman missed a crucial spot-kick during Tuesday’s second-leg playoff in Bergamo.

Atalanta entered the fixture trailing 2-1 from the first leg, but their hopes of a comeback were dashed as Club Brugge dominated to establish a 3-0 lead on the night. Lookman briefly reignited Atalanta’s hopes by scoring a goal just after halftime, reducing the aggregate score to 5-2.

However, his missed penalty in the 60th minute all but sealed his team’s fate, as former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet comfortably saved his attempt.

Following the match, Gasperini expressed his frustration, openly questioning why Lookman took the penalty in the first place.”Lookman wasn’t supposed to take the penalty. He’s one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” Gasperini said.

“Even in training, he has a very low percentage; he kicks them really badly. He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite [Mateo] Retegui and [Charles] De Ketelaere being available. I didn’t like what Lookman did.”

Key Figure for Atalanta

Lookman joined Atalanta in the summer of 2022 from RB Leipzig, following loan spells in England.

Since arriving in Bergamo, he has made an immediate impact on the club’s attacking prowess, scoring crucial goals and providing assists.

His historic hat-trick in the Europa League against an unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen side handed Atalanta their first major continental trophy Interestingly, Lookman’s versatility and pace have been praised by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in the past before Tuesday’s unpleasant comments

Looking Ahead

As Atalanta works to refocus on upcoming fixtures, Lookman’s resolve to “turn pain into power” suggests he is determined to move forward productively.

Atalanta are away to Empoli in the next round of games in the Serie A.Previously top of the log, Atalanta are presently occupying the third position with 41 points, five adrift table toppers Napoli.