Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has insisted he never intended to offend Ademola Lookman with his criticism of the Nigerian forward’s penalty-taking abilities.
Following Atalanta’s Champions League elimination by Club Brugge, Gasperini publicly criticized Lookman for missing a crucial penalty, calling him “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.
The remarks sparked backlash, with Lookman deeming them disrespectful, forcing the club to intervene in an attempt to ease tensions.
Speaking in a press conference, Gasperini sought to clarify his comments, praising Lookman’s impact in the match and insisting there was no internal conflict at Atalanta.
“My words were never meant to be offensive,” Gasperini stated. “Lookman had an extraordinary impact against Brugge.
“I always speak in front of the whole team, and this was never even an issue within the club.”
Following his attempts to downplay the situation, Gasperini made a revelation about his future, suggesting his time at Atalanta could be coming to an end sooner than expected.
“At the end of the season, we’ll decide whether to let my contract run out or stop earlier,” he said. “There will be no further renewals or extensions.”
With Atalanta currently third in Serie A, Gasperini acknowledged the club’s success but hinted at a desire for greater ambitions, possibly with a different challenge elsewhere.
