Former Juventus coach Thiago Motta believes that Teun Koopmeiners should definitely not be written off by the Old Lady. In his first season with the Bianconeri, the 27-year-old midfielder is struggling to reach his top level for an extended period.
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Thiago Motta, the recently dismissed coach, remains steadfast in his belief that Teun Koopmeiners has the qualities required to become a standout player at Juventus.
Despite facing harsh criticism and considerable pressure following his high-profile transfer, Motta maintains that Koopmeiners possesses the talent and dedication necessary to overcome the challenges he currently faces. Speaking in an interview with Corriere della Sera, Motta defended the Dutch midfielder's potential, emphasizing that growth and development are natural parts of a player’s journey at a club of Juventus’ stature.
"Koop will certainly continue to make progress because he is simply a very good player. Moreover, Teun works incredibly hard, and he still has a lot to offer the team," Motta stated confidently. "His commitment is undeniable, and his technical ability is there for everyone to see. It’s only a matter of time before things start clicking for him."
Koopmeiners' transfer from Atalanta to Juventus last summer was one of the most talked-about moves in Serie A. The drawn-out negotiations and eventual agreement, reportedly valued at over €50 million, placed significant expectations on the 27-year-old midfielder’s shoulders. Juventus fans, who have grown accustomed to seeing their club make high-profile signings, were eager to see immediate results. However, the reality has been more complicated.
"In my opinion, he was immediately overwhelmed by excessively high expectations. The size of the transfer fee weighed heavily. It has more impact on players than you think," Motta explained. "It's not just about performing well on the pitch; it's about dealing with the constant scrutiny, the comparisons, the pressure to justify that fee. That can break a player if they’re not given the proper support and time to adapt."
According to Motta, Juventus would be making a grave mistake if they were to give up on Koopmeiners too early. The former coach believes that consistency and patience are crucial if the club wants to see the best version of the midfielder. Motta pointed to Koopmeiners' time at Atalanta as evidence of his quality, noting that the Dutchman consistently delivered top performances for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
"He is a top-class player. A player who always performed well at Atalanta. Week in, week out, he showed his intelligence, his passing range, his ability to read the game. Those qualities haven't disappeared. He will regain his old form, provided he finds balance and the expectations are brought back to a reasonable level," Motta said. "It’s about giving him the right environment to thrive. He has already shown that he can excel in Serie A. Now it’s about finding that rhythm again."
The timing of Motta’s comments is notable, as Juventus prepares for a high-stakes match against AS Roma, scheduled to kick off at 20:45. The fixture is set to be one of the highlights of the Serie A weekend, with Juventus desperate to secure points to bolster their position in the league standings. While the spotlight will be on the team as a whole, much attention will inevitably be focused on Koopmeiners and how he handles the pressure of performing on such a significant stage.
The midfielder has faced criticism from various quarters over his inconsistent performances this season. While his technical skills and vision remain evident, there have been questions regarding his ability to impose himself physically and mentally at a club with such demanding expectations. Juventus supporters, accustomed to seeing their team dominate domestically, have grown restless as the transition period stretches on.
Motta believes that the criticism directed at Koopmeiners is premature and, in some cases, unfair. "People often forget that adapting to a new club, especially one like Juventus, is never straightforward. The demands are higher, the pressure is relentless, and the scrutiny never stops. It’s a different world compared to Atalanta, and Koopmeiners needs time to find his footing," Motta insisted.
He further elaborated on the psychological burden of being a high-profile transfer. "It's not just the physical and tactical adaptation; it's also the mental challenge. When a player moves for a significant fee, everyone expects results immediately. But that’s not always realistic. I have seen many talented players crumble under that kind of pressure. Koopmeiners, however, is resilient. He will find his way."
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has also been vocal about the need for patience when it comes to Koopmeiners’ development. Despite the challenges, Allegri has continued to provide the Dutchman with opportunities, clearly believing that his talent will eventually shine through. However, the clock is ticking, and fans are growing impatient.
Tonight’s match against AS Roma presents a critical test for Koopmeiners. Facing a side known for its physicality and tactical discipline under José Mourinho, Juventus will need its midfield to be sharp and composed. Koopmeiners’ ability to control the tempo, distribute the ball accurately, and contribute defensively will be scrutinized more than ever.
The question remains whether he can rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that will silence his critics. Motta is convinced that it’s only a matter of time before Koopmeiners re-establishes himself as a pivotal figure for Juventus. "He just needs to find his rhythm and regain his confidence. Once he does that, I have no doubt that he will be one of the most important players for Juventus. His talent is undeniable, and his work ethic is exceptional."
As Juventus prepares to take on AS Roma at 20:45, all eyes will be on Koopmeiners. Fans, pundits, and critics alike will be watching closely to see if the Dutchman can finally begin to live up to the lofty expectations placed upon him. The match could serve as a turning point for the 27-year-old, offering him a chance to prove that the investment made by Juventus was indeed justified.
Koopmeiners' journey at Juventus is far from over. While the road may be bumpy, Thiago Motta remains convinced that his former player will ultimately come good. The stage is set, the pressure is mounting, and now it’s up to Koopmeiners to deliver.
Updated: 12:04, 6 Apr 2025
