Lookman is 'one of the worst' – Atalanta manager slams Nigerian
19/02/2025 10:00
Reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman has been described as ‘one of the worst penalty takers’ by his manager at Atalanta BC, Gian Piero Gasperini.
This comes after the diminutive winger’s miss from the spot hindered Atalanta’s comeback in their home 3-1 defeat to Belgium’s Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Lookman pulled back one goal early in the second-half after Brugge took a 3-0 half-time lead, but then had a penalty saved by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet at the Gewiss Stadium in Italy.
Therefore, Atalanta were eliminated from the tournament after losing 5-2 on aggregate and Gasperini was not happy with the 27-year-old winger after the enthralling match.
“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” the Italian manager said according to The Straits Times.
“He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. (Mateo) Retegui and (Charles) 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.”
Lookman is Atalanta’s top scorer in this season’s Champions League having netted five goals – followed closely by De Ketelaere with four goals.
The Nigeria international will be keen to redeem himself by inspiring Atalanta to a win when they face Empoli in the Serie A clash on Sunday.
