As Juventus prepares for their Champions League playoff first leg against PSV Eindhoven, much of the attention has turned to Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners. Calciomercato report how, struggling to replicate the form that made him a standout at Atalanta, Koopmeiners has faced mounting criticism for his inconsistent performances, with some questioning whether he should start in such a critical match.
Motta Defends Koopmeiners
Juventus coach Thiago Motta has stood firmly by Koopmeiners despite the criticism. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Motta expressed unwavering support for the midfielder. “There’s nothing negative about him,” Motta said. “You’ve written and spoken about it, but that’s normal. I’ve always seen him doing well. I’ve been very happy with him from day one. He always trains at full intensity. He has played in multiple roles, performed well, and continues growing. I’m satisfied with Koop’s work so far.”
Motta also addressed Koopmeiners’ recent error in the victory against Como, which led to a temporary equalizer for the opposition. “In that situation, he could have done things differently, but so could the whole team,” Motta stated. “Koop didn’t have a good game, and he knows it. He knows he must improve, as do I and everyone else. The challenge is to get better every day, and I’m confident Koop will give his best tomorrow.”
Calls for a Change?
Despite Motta’s defense, questions remain about whether it might be beneficial for both Koopmeiners and Juventus to give him a break from the starting lineup. The Dutchman’s €60 million transfer fee set high expectations, but his recent performances have left fans and pundits questioning his impact on the team. Some suggest that Weston McKennie, who scored in Juventus’ 3-1 win over PSV earlier in the season, could be a better option in midfield for this crucial match.
A Tactical Dilemma
Reports from training sessions indicate that Koopmeiners is likely to start against PSV, potentially in an advanced midfield role rather than his preferred position as a central or defensive midfielder. While Motta appears committed to keeping him in the lineup, critics argue that playing Koopmeiners out of position may be contributing to his struggles.
The Stakes Against PSV
With Juventus aiming to secure a spot in the Champions League Round of 16, all eyes will be on how Motta manages his squad—and whether Koopmeiners can rise to the occasion. If he struggles again, calls for him to take a step back may grow louder. On the other hand, a strong performance could validate Motta’s faith in him and help turn his season around.
