Ademola Lookman Responds To Manager’s Criticism After Atalanta’s Champions League Exit.
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has hit back at his manager Gian Piero Gasperini following stinging criticism over a missed penalty in the club’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Club Brugge on Tuesday night. The Nigerian international, who has been a key figure for the Serie A side, described his manager’s remarks as “deeply disrespectful,” sparking widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike.
The incident occurred during Atalanta’s 3-1 loss at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, a result that sealed a 5-2 aggregate defeat in the Champions League play-off round, ending their European campaign. Lookman, returning from a weeks-long injury layoff, came off the bench at half-time with his team already trailing 3-0. Showing his quality, he scored just 34 seconds after entering the fray, briefly reigniting hope among the home supporters. However, his subsequent penalty miss—saved by Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet—proved a turning point, sapping momentum from Atalanta’s comeback bid.
Post-match, Gasperini did not hold back, branding Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen” and claiming the 27-year-old was not designated to take the spot-kick, with teammates Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere supposedly better suited. “He has a frankly terrible record even in training,” Gasperini added, expressing frustration that Lookman had taken the ball “in a moment of enthusiasm” after his goal.
Lookman’s response, shared on social media on Wednesday, painted a picture of a player stung by the public dressing-down. “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,” he wrote. “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.”
The reigning African Footballer of the Year went on to reveal the context behind his decision to step up, explaining, “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.” He added that the defeat hurt the entire squad and the fans, underscoring his belief that “the team must always be protected and must come first”—a principle he felt had been undermined by Gasperini’s comments.
Lookman’s record speaks for itself: prior to Tuesday’s miss, he had successfully converted all four penalties he’d taken for Atalanta, including high-pressure moments. His hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen secured the club’s first major trophy since 1963, cementing his status as a Bergamo hero. This season alone, he has notched 15 goals across all competitions.
The public spat has raised questions about the dynamic between Lookman and Gasperini, an iconic figure who has transformed Atalanta into a European force. While the manager’s blunt style is well-known, his decision to single out a star player—especially one fresh off injury—has drawn ire from some quarters. “Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power, which I’ll continue to do,” Lookman concluded, signalling his intent to rise above the controversy.
As Atalanta shift focus back to their Serie A campaign, where they sit third in the table, the hope among fans is that this rift can be mended. For now, Lookman’s words stand as a defiant reminder of his commitment to the club—and a plea for the unity that has defined their recent success.
