Lookman: ‘De Ketelaere has a lot of quality, keep trying the most important thing at Atalanta’ | OneFootball

Ademola Lookman explained that Atalanta wanted to make amends at Monza after last week’s disappointing draw against Lecce, and he praised his teammate De Ketelaere for his spirit and determination to push through a difficult period.

The Belgian international scored twice in La Dea’s 4-0 win over the now officially relegated side, netting his first goals since December, but the Lookman insisted that his teammate ‘has a lot of quality’ and that ‘keep trying’ is ‘the most important thing’.

MONZA, ITALY – MAY 04: Mateo Retegui of Atalanta BC competes for the ball with Pedro Pereira of AC Monza during the Serie A match between AC Monza and Atalanta BC at U-Power Stadium on May 04, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Lookman: It was not easy for De Ketelaere to ‘keep going’, but he knows ‘he has quality’

“Yes, last week we weren’t very happy with the result, after a draw at Lecce, and today we wanted to put it right,” Lookman told DAZN after the match.

“Four goals away from home is always a good result.”

“Charles has a lot of quality, he knows this,” Lookman added.

“It’s never always easy to keep going, but he has the spirit to keep on going, to keep trying, so that’s the most important thing.

“Sometimes it doesn’t work, sometimes it does, but as long as you keep trying. That’s the most important – keep trying.”

De Ketelaere had often been left out of Gian Piero Gasperini’s starting line-up in recent weeks, and he expressed his determination to prove that he could still make ‘a real difference’ — something he did with a brace.

“It had been a while since I made a real difference, and I needed to show that I’m still here,” the former Milan attacking midfielder said.

MONZA, ITALY – MAY 04: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC celebrates with his team-mate Mateo Retegui after scoring their team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AC Monza and Atalanta BC at U-Power Stadium on May 04, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I was eager, and I’m happy about the two goals and the win.”

Atalanta’s excellent away record was undermined by a series of slip-ups at home, which ultimately jeopardised La Dea’s chances of remaining in the Scudetto race until the end.

“Yes, it’s a bit of a shame because in many games we’ve shown we’re on another level, but then we missed out on a lot of home wins in recent months,” he contonued.

“So it’s unfortunate, but we just have to try to change that trend in the two remaining home matches.”