Nigerian legend, Austine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, has slammed Atalanta manager, Gian Piero Gasperini for his “disrespectful comments” directed towards Ademola Lookman.
Gasperini singled out Lookman for blame following La Dea’s 3-1 Champions League defeat to Club Brugge on Tuesday.
Lookman came off the bench to score Atalanta’s only goal of the game, and missed a penalty afterwards.
The Serie A club were eliminated from the Champions League following the defeat.
A number of former footballers, including Alessandro Del Piero and Samuel Eto’O have declared their support for Lookman.
Okocha said Gasperini overreacted by calling Lookman the “worst penalty taker”
“I think Gasperini overreacted by calling Lookman the worst penalty taker,” Okocha was quoted by Mozzart Sport.
“He seems to have forgotten the incredible contributions Lookman has made to Atalanta. Many top players have missed crucial penalties without facing such harsh criticism, so why is Lookman’s case being treated differently? In my opinion, if you take Lookman out of Atalanta, the club could struggle and even risk relegation.”