Atalanta co-owner Stephen Pagliuca has acknowledged that manager Gian Piero Gasperini was wrong to publicly criticize Ademola Lookman following the winger’s missed penalty against Club Brugge.
The incident sparked tension after Lookman labeled the comments disrespectful on social media, but Pagliuca insists the club is moving past the issue.
Speaking to Gazetta dello Sport, Pagliuca highlighted the team’s recent 5-0 victory over Empoli as proof of their unity. He said:
We want to put this situation behind us, and I think we have, considering the 5-0 victory.
Softfootball gathered that the executive stressed the importance of passion in football while admitting the coach’s approach crossed a line. He added:
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.
Pagliuca outlined the club’s internal philosophy, noting that Atalanta prefers to handle setbacks collectively. He stated:
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 co-owner also praised Lookman’s vital role in the team’s success this season. While describing Gasperini’s reaction as emotional and unfortunate, Pagliuca reaffirmed his support for the manager, calling him a “great coach” despite the misstep.
