Atalanta co-owner Stephen Pagliuca has apologized on behalf of Gian Piero Gasperini’ following his comments about Ademola Lookman but insists the Italian is a ‘great, passionate coach.’
Gasperini criticized the Nigerian attacker after missing a penalty following the Champions League elimination against Club Brugge.
The former Fulham and Everton attacker was described as a worse penalty taker by his coach.
“We want to put this situation behind us, and I think we have, considering the 5-0 victory [against Empoli],” Pagliuca told Gazzetta.
“These matches are always intense. We love the passion with which they are played. We have a great coach, very passionate. He made a mistake by speaking about an individual.
“At Atalanta, with the Percassi family, we have a policy: if things go wrong, we take responsibility. We look at ourselves and how to improve.
“The players are having an extraordinary season, we wouldn’t be where we are now without the contributions of Lookman, De Ketelaere, and the whole team. I should name them all.
“We faced Brugge without five key players, all injured. Gasperini’s reaction was emotional and unfortunate, and it was a mistake that went against our policy, something we are not proud of. But I repeat, Gasp remains a great coach.”
Despite the misunderstanding, Lookman scored a brace as Atalanta secured a 5-0 win over Empoli over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Lookman has been linked to Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of the summer transfer window.
