Koopmeiners spoke to Juventus and Spalletti about his role: ‘Much better’ now

Teun Koopmeiners reveals he spoke to Juventus directors and Luciano Spalletti about his role and highlights the ‘positive spirit’ in the dressing room under the new coach.

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

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’s equaliser.

“It’s true, in the first 15 minutes we didn’t find the right shape in defence to press, but we were more aggressive after that and had chances to score,” Koopmeiners told Sky Sport Italia (via TMW).

“After the break, we attacked and it’s a pity we weren’t 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.”

Tonight’s draw means Juventus are still winless in four Champions League games, having collected three draws and one defeat.

Koopmeiners previously complained about his role under Igor Tudor, arguing that he had been used in a too advanced position.

“I 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,” he said.

“I 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.”

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.

How has Spalletti changed the locker room atmosphere?

“There 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,” Koopmeiners replied.

“Spalletti 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.”