Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has criticized Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini for shifting blame onto Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman following their Champions League exit.
Lookman missed a crucial penalty in Atalanta’s 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge on Tuesday, sealing their elimination from the tournament. However, instead of focusing on his team’s overall performance, Gasperini publicly called out Lookman, labeling him “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”
Lookman, clearly frustrated, hit back with a public statement, calling his manager’s remarks “disrespectful.”
Speaking to ESPN FC, Nicol strongly disagreed with Gasperini’s stance, arguing that the coach should have taken responsibility rather than singling out Lookman.
“If I’m the coach, my first question is to the designated penalty taker why didn’t you take it? My second is to the captain—why didn’t you ensure my instructions were followed?” Nicol said.
He emphasized that Lookman should not be the scapegoat. “Honestly, the only innocent party here is Lookman. If the primary taker refuses, someone has to step up, and Lookman did,” he explained.
Nicol pointed out that both Charles De Ketelaere, the assigned penalty taker, and captain Rafael Tolói should have ensured the right player took the spot-kick.
“I didn’t watch the match, but Gasperini had plenty of time to intervene. As a coach, you have to make sure the right player is taking the penalty,” Nicol concluded.