Koopmeiners: ‘I feel comfortable in new Juventus role’

Teun Koopmeiners insists he feels ‘comfortable’ in this new tactical role as a defender for Juventus, but identifies what went wrong in their 0-0 draw with Torino.

The Bianconeri were hoping to build some momentum under coach Luciano Spalletti, but instead it was their second stalemate in a few days, after the midweek 1-1 Champions League result against Sporting CP.

The goalkeepers were decisive at both ends, as Michele Di Gregorio and Alberto Paleari both made crucial saves.

“The coach said we must use Dusan Vlahovic and be wary of Torino playing man for man, but that leaves gaps behind their defenders. We could do better at times, but I think we did pretty well today, we were just missing a few details in the penalty area,” Koopmeiners told DAZN Italia.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Juventus 0-0 Torino

This was the third match under Spalletti, and also the third in a row with the former Atalanta midfielder playing in a deeper role as part of the back three.

“The coach said I can play in this role, but also push up as an extra midfielder, as it makes this much more difficult for them. I feel comfortable in this role and feel that I can help the team.”

Koopmeiners has had probably the best three performances of his Juventus career and all of them were in defence.

“I feel comfortable in this position, I think that I can help the team in this role. I am a player who likes to be on the ball a lot, get lots of touches, provide passes, and also push forward, which I can do here.”