Tacchinardi offers advice to struggling Juventus star but ‘time for bonuses is over’ | OneFootball

Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi believes Teun Koopmeiners must ‘feel strong’ but warns the Bianconeri that ‘time for bonuses is over.’

The Bianconeri have had highs and lows this season but are just six points below table leaders Inter.

On Sunday, they host third-placed Atalanta in a crucial league game in Turin.

“Despite their victory against Verona, Juventus still don’t seem solid enough to me,” Tacchinardi told Tuttosport.

“It’s a somewhat shaky team, still searching for a clear identity. Against Atalanta, they could win 2-0 just as easily as they could suffer a crushing defeat. They push a lot of players past the ball line and then get caught out by dangerous vertical attacks. Anything can really happen.

“I hope that in the coming days, the club makes the players understand the importance of this match,” the ex-midfielder continued.

“Up there, Napoli and Inter are struggling quite a bit. For Juve, this will be the game of the season. They’re hanging by a thread: a defeat would sink them completely, while a victory would give them a huge boost, even if they still remain six points behind Inter.

“These matches tell you whether you can dream big or not. It will be up to Motta, the staff, the club, and even the fans to recognise that Sunday could open up a whole new league. The time for bonuses is over; they need to make the most of this opportunity.”

Tacchinardi offers advice to struggling Juventus star but ‘time for bonuses is over’

TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 03: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus scores his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Verona at Allianz Stadium on March 03, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Juventus have been eliminated from Coppa Italia and Champions League, but can they aim to win the Serie A title?

“A full-strength Juve is a strong team. When I think of defence with Kalulu, Gatti, Veiga, and Cambiaso, I feel optimistic about the rest of the season,” Tacchinardi replied.

“It’s a solid unit. At this point, Weah can push higher up the pitch again, considering his strong early-season numbers. And if someone needs a breather, there’s Kelly, who I actually think has been doing quite well.”

Teun Koopmeiners scored his second league goal for Juventus on Monday against Verona but the Dutchman’s performances haven’t justified his €60m price tag this season.

“Motta has tried him everywhere, so here’s the question: Is Koop ready for Juve?” asked Tacchinardi.

“Having experienced both realities, I advise him to mentally lighten up. He needs to feel strong and have more self-confidence; right now, I see him taking very few risks in his plays. In Juve’s history, every player has faced boos at least once. It’ll be up to him to turn those into applause and trust me; it can happen instantly.”

Thiago Motta is under contract until 2027, but fans and media have strongly criticised him in recent weeks.

“If Thiago, from now on, can establish a solid core of seven or eight undroppable starters, regardless of placement, and show some technical consistency, I would 100% keep him,” said Tacchinardi.

“Otherwise, the club will have to make its own evaluations at the end of the season. But right now, the club and the fans must support him. On Sunday, I want to see a stadium on fire.”