{"id":272278,"date":"2025-11-05T04:12:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T04:12:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/272278\/"},"modified":"2025-11-05T04:12:24","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T04:12:24","slug":"koopmeiners-spoke-to-juventus-and-spalletti-about-his-role-much-better-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/272278\/","title":{"rendered":"Koopmeiners spoke to Juventus and Spalletti about his role: ‘Much better’ now"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"TURIN,<\/p>\n

TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus is challenged by Francisco Trincao of Sporting CP during the UEFA Champions League 2025\/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Teun Koopmeiners reveals he spoke to Juventus directors and Luciano Spalletti about his role and highlights the \u2018positive spirit\u2019 in the dressing room under the new coach.<\/p>\n

Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Sporting CP<\/a> at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday. Koopmeiners started the second consecutive match as a left centre-back in a three-man defence.<\/p>\n

The visitors took the lead through Maximiliano Araujo at minute 12 and came inches close to going two goals up as they hit the crossbar minutes before Dusan Vlahovic\u2019s equaliser.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s true, in the first 15 minutes we didn\u2019t find the right shape in defence to press, but we were more aggressive after that and had chances to score,\u201d Koopmeiners told Sky Sport Italia (via TMW<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the break, we attacked and it\u2019s a pity we weren\u2019t able to score more, as we needed to win this game. There are many positives we can take going forward, but also things we have to work on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tonight\u2019s draw means Juventus are still winless in four Champions League games, having collected three draws and one defeat.<\/p>\n

Koopmeiners previously complained about his role under Igor Tudor, arguing that he had been used in a too advanced position.<\/p>\n

Koopmeiners unhappy with previous Juventus role\"TURIN,TURIN, ITALY \u2013 NOVEMBER 04: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus is challenged by Francisco Trincao of Sporting CP during the UEFA Champions League 2025\/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel much better in this position, because I am not a forward who plays with his back to goal, where I played in other games. I told the representatives of the club that too, and I told Spalletti. I had already played this role many years ago in Holland and it is where I feel comfortable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am a player who wants the ball, to pass to my teammates, to push everyone else forward, and I can do that with a midfielder and another defender near me.\u201d<\/p>\n

During his unveiling press conference last week, Luciano Spalletti revealed he wanted to sign Koopmeiners in the past and even spoke to the midfielder on the phone to convince him to complete a transfer.<\/p>\n

How has Spalletti changed the locker room atmosphere?<\/p>\n

\"TURIN,TURIN, ITALY \u2013 NOVEMBER 04: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025\/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a different way of playing, certainly. I also want to say that with the other coaches, we still needed to take responsibility within the locker room, not just blame the coaches. Whoever is in charge, we need to play with heart and energy,\u201d Koopmeiners replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpalletti surprises me a little compared to other coaches, he is quite unique. He has a positive spirit, and in this game we saw Conceicao and Yildiz putting energy into helping defence and attack, which is what you need in modern football.\u201d<\/p>\n


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