Lookman: Gasperini’s criticism ‘deeply disrespectful’

Says ‘I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here’

Atlanta star, Ademola Lookman, has expressed shock over the stinging criticism from his manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, who described him as “one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen” following his miss on Tuesday in a UEFA Champions League game against Club Brugge.

Lookman missed a spot kick that Gasperini claimed he was not meant to take as Atalanta crashed out of the Champions League. The Serie A side were defeated 5-2 on aggregate by Club Brugge following a 3-1 loss at the Gewiss Stadium.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side were already trailing 3-0 when Lookman scored after 46 minutes before Atalanta were awarded a penalty to offer a glimmer of hope of a comeback. Charlton academy product Lookman took it upon himself to step up from 12 yards out but saw his effort saved by ex-Liverpool and Sunderland shot-stopper, Simon Mignolet.

Lookman’s actions saw him brutally slammed by his manager, who said he had preferred options on the pitch to take responsibility from the spot. The 67-year-old coach did not hold back in his assessment.

“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” said Gasperini.

“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.”

Reacting to Gasperini’s claims, the 27-year-old Lookman suggested such comments should not have been made publically as he was instructed to take the penalty. Lookman noted he had previously protected the team and that has made Gasperini’s comments even more