Ademola Lookman Criticises Gasperini's Disrespectful Comments On Penalty Taking

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Atalanta's forward, Ademola Lookman, expressed his disappointment over comments made by his coach, Gian Piero Gasperini. The coach labelled Lookman as one of the worst penalty takers he had ever witnessed. This remark followed Atalanta's 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate loss. Lookman scored after coming on at half-time but missed a crucial penalty.

Lookman addressed the criticism through social media, stating that being singled out was not only painful but also disrespectful. He emphasised his dedication and hard work for the club and its fans. "Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful," he noted, highlighting his commitment to the team despite facing numerous challenges during his tenure.

Gasperini criticised Lookman for taking a penalty against instructions, claiming he had taken the ball from teammates. The coach mentioned that Lookman's penalty record was poor even during training sessions. Gasperini suggested that Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere would have been better choices for the spot-kick.

Despite Gasperini's remarks, Lookman has successfully converted four out of six penalties in Europe's top leagues. He previously missed a penalty while playing for Fulham against West Ham in 2020. During the match against Club Brugge, Lookman explained that he took the penalty upon instruction from the designated taker to support the team.

Reflecting on his time at Atalanta, Lookman shared that he has faced many difficult moments but chose not to speak about them publicly. He believes in prioritising the team's well-being over individual issues. "In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here," he stated, underscoring his commitment to keeping team matters private.

Past Achievements and Future Challenges

Last season, Lookman played a pivotal role in Atalanta's Europa League victory by scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. The German side had remained unbeaten throughout that season until they faced Atalanta. Despite recent setbacks, Lookman remains determined to overcome challenges and continue contributing positively to his team.

The striker acknowledged that both he and his teammates were affected by their recent loss. He expressed gratitude towards their loyal fans who share their disappointment. "Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night's result," he said, highlighting the collective impact of their performance on everyone involved.

Lookman's journey with Atalanta has seen both triumphs and trials. As he continues to navigate these experiences, he remains focused on turning adversity into strength. His resolve is evident as he aims to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success within football's competitive landscape.