By Kwame Bediako
Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman has expressed his frustration following coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s harsh criticism after their Champions League defeat to Club Brugge.
Gasperini labelled Lookman as one of the “worst penalty takers” he had ever seen, calling his performance “deeply disrespectful” during the match.
The match, which ended in a 3-1 loss for Atalanta, saw Lookman come on as a halftime substitute and score a quick goal, thought to be the fastest in Champions League history at 45 minutes and 34 seconds. However, his involvement in the game took a turn for the worse when he was called upon to take a penalty. Despite the designated penalty-taker’s instructions, Lookman took the shot, only for Club Brugge’s Simon Mignolet to save it.
Gasperini’s criticism seemed to escalate when he revealed that Lookman was not the intended penalty-taker and that other players, like Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere, were better options. This public rebuke left Lookman hurt and “deeply disrespectful,” as he expressed in a social media statement.
Lookman, however, did not shy away from acknowledging his mistake. In an emotional post, he said, “Life is about challenges and turning pain into power, which I’ll continue to do.” He also emphasised his commitment to the team, noting that while he has faced many difficult moments in the past, he has always prioritised the team’s success over his own feelings.
Lookman’s career in Europe’s top five leagues shows that he has scored four out of six penalties, despite a notable miss against West Ham while at Fulham in 2020. His quickly rising star was evident last season when he led Atalanta to Europa League glory with a hat trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite the disappointment, Lookman’s response has been met with support from fans and the broader football community.
Many have commended his resilience and ability to remain focused despite the criticism. Meanwhile, Gasperini’s remarks have raised questions about team dynamics and the role of leadership in high-pressure situations.
