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Ernest Victor
Guest
Atalanta’s head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has shed light on his decision to substitute Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman during Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League match against Celtic.
This marked the second consecutive game in which Lookman was taken off, as he was also substituted in the second half of Atalanta’s recent victory over Venezia in Serie A.
In a statement reported by SOS FANTA, Gasperini explained that the decision stemmed from his assessment that Lookman was not performing at his optimal level following the recent international break. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the demanding nature of international fixtures, which can affect players’ stamina and intensity in club matches.
“I attempted to inject some fresh energy into the game by bringing in substitutes such as Samardzic and Cuadrado, but it proved to be a difficult task,” said the Italian manager. He reflected on the first half, noting that while the team attempted numerous crosses, their execution was lacking, leading to missed finishing opportunities.
Gasperini specifically pointed out that players like Retegui and Lookman, who had recently returned from international commitments, contributed significantly during the match, but maintaining peak performance in such circumstances can be quite challenging. He emphasized the importance of varying tactics and managing player fatigue, particularly after they have participated in intense international matches.
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