Atalanta manager Gian Gasperini has clarified that his remarks about Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman’s penalty miss were not meant to be offensive after the club’s UEFA Champions League exit on Tuesday.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference on Saturday ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A clash with Empoli, Gasperini addressed the controversy surrounding his post-match comments.
Lookman, who scored just 36 seconds after coming on as a substitute while Atalanta trailed 3-0 at home, missed a crucial penalty in the 61st minute during the knockout playoff against Club Brugge. Following the 3-1 defeat, Gasperini criticized the winger, calling him “one of the worst penalty-takers” he had ever seen.
In response, Lookman took to Instagram on Wednesday, calling his coach’s words “deeply disrespectful.”
Addressing journalists, the 66-year-old tactician insisted he had no intention of offending the 28-year-old forward. He also acknowledged Lookman’s impressive impact and suggested that he could develop into a reliable penalty taker.
“The player [Lookman] felt offended, but I did not mean to offend anyone,” Gasperini explained. “Lookman came on in an extraordinary way against Brugge. His gesture, even if generous, doesn’t change my perspective.
“I would have liked a strong player like him to have encouraged De Ketelaere [Atalanta’s designated penalty taker] to take the kick instead. He can develop into a penalty taker, and that would add another dimension to his game.”
Gasperini also hinted at a possible departure from Atalanta, revealing he might leave at the end of the season or when his contract expires next year.
“I don’t have much time left in this role; maybe this is my last chance,” he admitted. “As has been said, there’s a beginning and an end. At the end of the season, we’ll decide whether to let the contract run out or stop earlier, but there will be no further renewals or extensions.”
