Gasperini Responds: 'I Didn't Mean To Offend Lookman'

Gasperini Responds: 'I Didn't Mean To Offend Lookman'

Sampson Adedeji

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has addressed the situation between himself and Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

Tensions arose between the coach and Lookman following the second leg of Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League clash against Club Brugge.

In response, the club’s board intervened on Friday, meeting with both parties to resolve the issue. Gasperini acknowledged that Lookman was upset by comments he made after the match.

“He felt offended, but I had no intention of offending anyone,” the coach stated.

He also dismissed claims of instability within the club, saying, “There is a tendency to portray Atalanta as being in turmoil, but the reality is different.”

Referring to another recent Serie A match, he added, “Yesterday’s Lecce-Udinese game provided enough drama for the whole world to see.”

Lookman is expected to feature this weekend when Atalanta takes on Empoli in Serie A.