Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini launches astonishing attack on his own player Ademola Lookman after Champions League exit
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini didn't hold back when speaking about star player Ademola Lookman following their Champions League loss.
On Tuesday night, Europa League champions Atalanta suffered a shock 3-1 home defeat to Club Brugge, knocking them out of the 2025 Champions League with an aggregate score of 5-2 in favour of the Belgian side.
A 2-1 loss in the first leg left the Serie A side with an uphill battle in their home stadium, which was only made worse after they found themselves 3-0 down at half-time of Tuesday's match.
Immediately after the shock loss, Atalanta boss Gasperini spoke with the media about his side's performance, revealing that he wasn't happy with star player Lookman in a brutal rant.
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Early in the second half, Lookman looked to ignite what could have been a huge comeback after scoring his side's only goal in the match.
Shortly after the Nigerian's goal, Atalanta were handed a penalty offering them the chance to further eat into Club Brugge's three goal lead, and Lookman decided it was his moment to shine as he decided to take the ball ahead of teammates Charles De Ketelaere and Mateo Retegui.
But unfortunately for the 27-year-old, his effort was saved by Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, and Gasperini wasn't happy about it.
"Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen," the Italian manager told a post-match press conference.
"He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. Retegui and 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."
Throughout his career, Lookman has taken six penalties, scoring four of them and missing two, including his humiliating 98th minute panenka attempt against West Ham United while playing for Fulham in 2020.
Gasperini also hit out at Atalanta captain Rafael Toloi who was shown an embarrassing red card late in the match after shoving Club Brugge defender Maxim De Cuyper.
"That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads," Gasperini added.
"Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona."
Topics: Atalanta, Champions League, Club Brugge, Football, Serie A
Ben McCrum