Atalanta manager Gian Gasperini has clarified that his controversial remarks about Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman were never intended to offend. The comments, made after the club’s exit from the UEFA Champions League following a 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge, have since sparked a heated exchange between the coach and the winger.
During a pre-match press conference ahead of Atalanta’s upcoming Serie A clash with Empoli on Sunday, Gasperini explained that Lookman’s failure to convert a penalty kick on the 61st minute—despite scoring a goal just 36 seconds after coming on in a 3-0 deficit—prompted him to comment that Lookman is “one of the worst penalty-takers” he has ever seen. However, Gasperini stressed that his intention was never to disrespect the 28-year-old. “The player felt offended, but I did not mean to offend anyone,” he said, adding that while he would have preferred Lookman to signal support to De Ketelaere, the club’s designated penalty taker, his remarks were aimed at encouraging Lookman to develop that crucial skill further.
Despite Gasperini’s explanation, Lookman took to his Instagram story earlier in the week to describe the coach’s words as “deeply disrespectful.” The tension between the two has attracted considerable attention, as both figures are well known for their outspoken personalities.
Speaking to journalists before the Empoli match, the 66-year-old Gasperini also opened up about his future at the club. He indicated that his time with Atalanta might be drawing to a close, remarking, “I don’t have much time left to do this; maybe this is the last chance. As has been said, there’s a beginning and an end.” He added that by the end of the season, they would determine whether to let his contract run its course or to terminate it earlier, with no plans for further renewals or extensions.
Gasperini’s candid comments not only shed light on the dynamics within the team but also hint at a potential turning point in his career at Atalanta. As the club navigates its challenging season, the coach’s willingness to discuss both his constructive criticism of his players and his own future suggests that significant changes might be on the horizon.
