Atalanta co-owner Stephen Pagliuca has acknowledged that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ‘made a mistake’ together with his feedback about Nigerian ahead Ademola Lookman however insists the Italian stays a ‘nice and passionate coach.’
The controversy stemmed from Gasperini’s public criticism of Lookman after the ahead missed a vital penalty in opposition to Membership Brugge within the Champions League.
The tactician had described Lookman as “one of many worst” penalty takers, a comment that sparked widespread debate.
Talking with Gazzetta dello Sport, Pagliuca sought to downplay the incident, emphasizing the membership’s collective method to challenges.
“We wish to put this example behind us, and I believe we’ve, contemplating the 5-0 victory [against Empoli],” he stated.
In accordance with Soccer Italia on Tuesday, “These matches are at all times intense. We love the eagerness with which they’re performed. We’ve got a terrific coach, very passionate.
“He made a mistake by talking about a person. At Atalanta, with the Percassi household, we’ve a coverage: if issues go improper, we take accountability. We take a look at ourselves and easy methods to enhance.”
‘We’re not happy with the incident’
Acknowledging Lookman’s essential position in Atalanta’s spectacular season, Pagliuca reiterated the membership’s dedication to unity and resilience.
“The gamers are having a rare season; we wouldn’t be the place we are actually with out the contributions of Lookman, De Ketelaere, and the entire group. I ought to identify all of them.
“We confronted Brugge with out 5 key gamers, all injured. Gasperini’s response was emotional and unlucky, and it was a mistake that went in opposition to our coverage—one thing we’re not happy with. However I repeat, Gasp stays a terrific coach,” he stated.
Punch Newspaper had beforehand reported on the stress between Gasperini and Lookman, noting that the coach’s remarks had drawn combined reactions from followers and analysts.
Gasperini’s future unsure
Along with the Lookman controversy, Gasperini’s future at Atalanta has additionally been a subject of hypothesis.
The 66-year-old coach has said that he wouldn’t be signing a contract extension, which means he may depart in 2026 or on the finish of the present season.
Addressing the state of affairs, Pagliuca said, “That is one thing Luca Percassi will deal with. He takes care of those issues. We’ll do no matter Gasp believes is the very best resolution for him.”
Response to UCL exit
Atalanta bounced again from their Champions League elimination by the hands of Membership Brugge with a commanding 5-0 win over Empoli.
Pagliuca described the victory as a vital morale booster in an intensely aggressive Serie A season.
“Serie A is a really aggressive league; profitable 5-0 away from house is rarely simple. It was a terrific satisfaction. We would have liked it,” he stated.
Reflecting on the elimination, he added: “Initially, I’ve to provide credit score to Brugge, who performed two unbelievable matches.
“But when we take into account the accidents and what I believe was probably the most questionable refereeing selections I’ve ever seen in my life… If that was a penalty, they need to name 5 per sport.”
With 13 matches remaining, Atalanta sits third within the Serie A desk, simply three factors off the highest spot. Pagliuca reaffirmed the membership’s ambition to keep up momentum and compete on the highest degree.
“Yearly, the aim is to complete as excessive as attainable within the standings in a really aggressive league. Simply take a look at what number of groups are preventing for a spot in Europe and for the title,” he stated.
“Huge credit score should be given to Luca and Antonio Percassi and our workers for placing collectively such a deep squad, permitting us to compete for the Scudetto regardless of the various accidents we’ve had, most of them to key starters.”
Past fast footballing targets, Atalanta can also be making vital investments in infrastructure, together with a state-of-the-art coaching facility and youth growth packages.
“We purchased land in Zingonia subsequent to the coaching centre to additional develop what’s already among the best youth growth centres in Europe.
“Investing in participant growth is essential. We’ve got an Below-23 group doing properly, presently within the playoff zone. The youth sector is performing properly, permitting us to have a expertise pool to attract from for the longer term,” he said.
New period
One other main milestone for the membership has been the renovation of their house stadium, inaugurated in the beginning of the season.
Pagliuca praised the mission, emphasizing its modernized fan expertise whereas preserving the stadium’s historic essence.
“It’s a masterpiece. The Percassi household managed the mission brilliantly, preserving to schedule and finances,” he stated.
“It presents a a lot better expertise for our followers than the previous whereas sustaining the historic points of the stadium.
“I consider it is among the most lovely stadiums not solely in Italy however in Europe as properly. To not point out the meals within the skyboxes, supplied by a Michelin-starred chef.
“I’d acquire about twenty kilos if I got here to Bergamo for each Atalanta match!”
