Thiago Motta fires up Koopmeiners ahead of Atalanta return: ‘A privilege’ | OneFootball

Thiago Motta spoke very highly of Teun Koopmeiners during his pre-match press conference, as Juventus prepare to take on the Duthcman’s former employers Atalanta in Serie A on Sunday.

Koopmeiners was on the scoresheet as Juventus inflicted a 2-0 defeat on Hellas Verona last weekend, which bumps him up to three goals and two assists in Serie A this season, but he is still some way off the 12 goals and five assists he registered for La Dea last term.

The 27-year-old has come under criticism at various stages of the 2024-25 season following his €60m move from Atalanta in the summer, but Thiago Motta believes there is more to his overall game than just goals and assists.

Motta fires up Koopmeiners ahead of Atalanta

Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus celebrates by kissing the badge on his shirt after scoring his team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia match between Juventus FC and Cagliari Calcio at Allianz Stadium on December 17, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Addressing the media on Saturday, Motta confirmed that he is happy with what he has seen from Koopmeiners so far this season.

“I always think he’s doing well. He’s given us a big hand this season,” Motta said, reported via TMW.

“Criticism will always be a part of this job. He came on and did very well in the last game and also scored. I’m very happy for him, because we live to score goals. He always helps the team and is a very important guy on and off the pitch,” Motta added.

“It’s a privilege to coach a player of this level. He’s a serious, focussed guy who can play in multiple positions. I hope tomorrow can be a help to him.”

Click here to read Thiago Motta’s pre-match press conference in full