Atalanta's manager Gian Piero Gasperini commented on Ademola Lookman's penalty-taking skills following a 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge, indicating he wasn't the intended penalty taker, which sparked Lookman's criticism as disrespectful. Despite Lookman's successful season contributing to their previous Europa League win, his penalty was saved, causing a shift in the dynamic. Gasperini dismissed the backlash, advocating for team cohesion in penalty decisions and maintaining that his remarks aimed to foster leadership rather than insult.
Gian Piero Gasperini states he never intended to offend Ademola Lookman with his criticism of the striker's penalty-taking abilities after their recent Champions League loss.
Lookman expressed on Instagram that Gasperiniâs comments about him being a poor penalty taker were disrespectful and hurtful, especially following a saved penalty.
Gasperini downplayed the backlash, referencing a similar incident in Serie A, emphasizing the importance of team communication and leadership in penalty decisions.
He noted, 'I would have liked a strong player like Lookman to have made a gesture towards De Ketelaere saying: Come on keep the ball, put it in.'
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