Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has continued his public criticism of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, refusing to soften his stance after their recent disagreement.
The tension between Gasperini and Lookman erupted following Atalanta’s disappointing elimination from the UEFA Champions League. After the match, Gasperini openly criticized Lookman for missing a crucial penalty, which contributed to their exit from the competition. In response, Lookman expressed his displeasure, describing his manager’s remarks as “disrespectful.”
Despite Atalanta’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Empoli on Sunday night, Gasperini reignited the debate by suggesting that while the club values Lookman’s contributions, the relationship is mutually beneficial.
During the post-match press conference, the 67-year-old remarked:
“Lookman has always scored a lot of goals, at least since he joined Atalanta. He has become an extraordinary player, especially when he puts himself at the disposal of the team.”
Gasperini acknowledged Lookman’s bond with the fans but subtly implied that the forward’s success is also due to the opportunities Atalanta has provided.
“He said that he feels a bond with the fans, and I appreciate that very much,” he added.
Lookman has been one of Atalanta’s standout performers since joining the club, contributing significantly to their attack with crucial goals and assists. However, his recent fallout with Gasperini has raised concerns about the harmony within the squad as the season progresses.
The Nigerian international remains a key figure in Atalanta’s campaign, but with Gasperini’s latest comments, the rift between the two shows no signs of healing soon.