Lookman Condemns Coach’s Penalty Criticism as Utterly Disrespectful

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Image caption: Ademola Lookman has scored four of his five penalties for Atalanta

Published 19 February 2025 | 250 Comments

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has strongly criticized comments made by his own coach, Gian Piero Gasperini. Gasperini had described Lookman as “one of the worst penalty takers” he has ever seen, a comment that the Nigerian international found deeply disrespectful.

In Tuesday’s Champions League match against Club Brugge, Lookman scored just 34 seconds after coming on as a half-time substitute but also missed his penalty. As Atalanta exited the competition in their second leg with a score of 5-2 aggregate, Gasperini suggested that Lookman was not supposed to take the spot-kick and highlighted his “terrible record even in training.”

Responding on social media on Wednesday, Lookman expressed hurt by the criticism. He stated, “Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, especially considering the immense hard work and commitment I have always put into helping bring success to this club and our incredible fans of Bergamo.”

The Nigeria international added that he has faced many difficult moments during his time at Atalanta, most of which he chose not to discuss in order to protect the team. However, last night’s incident made him feel even more hurt. “Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last nights result,” Lookman emphasized.

According to Gasperini, teammates Mateo Retegui or Charles de Ketelaere should have taken the penalty instead of Lookman. However, Lookman clarified that he was instructed by “the designated penalty taker” to take it. Gasperini maintained his stance: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty; he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. He has a terrible record even in training and converts very few penalties.”

Before last night’s Champions League exit, Lookman had an impeccable penalty record for Atalanta, scoring all four penalties he took during his tenure with the club. The reigning African Footballer of the Year now stands at 4 out of 6 successful penalties across his professional career, having missed one while attempting a Panenka-style spot-kick in 2020 for Fulham.

In addition to his penalty-taking prowess, Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final last year with a hat-trick. This season, he has netted 15 goals for his club across all competitions as they strive for more success in Serie A.

However, despite their valiant efforts, Atalanta lost out on Champions League qualification following Tuesdays result against Club Brugge. The official X account of Nigeria’s men’s national team quickly came to Lookmans defense: “We are with you Ade,” the message read.