Atalanta manager, Gian Piero Gasperini has reacted to the recent misunderstanding between him and Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman over penalty miss.
Recall that the Italian side were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League during the knockout playoffs on Wednesday, after losing 5-2 on aggregate to Belgian opposition Club Brugge.
READ MORE: “Being Singled Out Hurts” – Lookman Responds To Atalanta Coach’s Criticism Over Missed Penalty
Gasperini, after the game, blamed Lookman for for missing a penalty kick during the 3-1 home loss in the second leg, a development which triggered the Nigerian star to reply his manager with a social media statement.
Lookman said: “Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.”
Speaking ahead of Atalanta’s trip to face Empoli in the Serie A, during a press conference on Saturday, Gasperini responded to Lookman’s statement, failing to take responsibility for his words.
He said: “Lookman? He felt offended, but I didn’t want to offend anyone,
“He came in an extraordinary way, his gesture, even if generous, doesn’t change what my idea is.
“He can become a penalty taker, it would be an additional scoring ability.
“I almost have the feeling that there is the will for Atalanta to be described as being like this, everything up in the air, but the reality is a bit different.
“I always speak in front of the whole team, it’s something that has never touched the club.”
The post “If Lookman Trains To Improve On Penalties, He’ll Become Our First Penalty Taker” – Atalanta Coach appeared first on Information Nigeria.
