Koopmeiners ‘loves’ Juventus and knows he must ‘give more’, says brother | OneFootball

Teun Koopmeiners’ brother has revealed that the former Atalanta midfielder is facing significant challenges in his first season at Juventus but remains determined to stay at the Allianz Stadium. ‘It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world,’ he said.

The Netherlands international has struggled to replicate the form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders during his three standout seasons at Atalanta. Juventus outbid the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, investing over €50 million to secure his signature in August 2024.

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)

However, the 27-year-old has faced mounting criticism, with his brother, Peer Koopmeiners, acknowledging that his hefty price tag has placed ‘a lot of pressure’ on him.

Koopmeiners wants Juventus stay and ‘doesn’t regret’ choosing Bianconeri over Liverpool

“From the outside, there’s a lot of pressure because of how much he cost,” Koopmeiners’ brother said in an interview for Gianlucadimarzio.com.

“But people often don’t realise what it means to change environments, adapt to new teammates, a new coach, and a different style of play.

“And in Turin, he’s playing a different role. Unfortunately, people sometimes underestimate all of this. But I can guarantee you that my brother wants to get back to being the player he was at Atalanta and help the team with goals and assists.

“I know how he is—I know that every single day, he gives everything to become decisive again. It’s really just a matter of time before he returns to being the player he was in Bergamo.”

Atalanta’s Dutch midfielder #07 Teun Koopmeiners poses with the trophy after the UEFA Europa League final football match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dublin Arena stadium, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. Atalanta won the game 3-0. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Koopmeiners recently scored his second Serie A goal since joining Juventus, and while his brother doesn’t know the reasons why he didn’t celebrate, he conceded that he is ‘always very self-critical’.

“I know his situation well, and I’ve always been there to support him,” he added.

“Ten days ago he scored a wonderful goal against Verona. As for why he didn’t celebrate, I honestly don’t know—but I saw him smiling with his teammates afterward.

“That said, Teun has plenty of quality, and Thiago Motta’s positive comments in the media reaffirmed the club’s confidence in him.

“But my brother knows he has to give more, and knowing him, I can tell you he is always very self-critical. Sooner or later, his qualities will shine through.”

Motta has deployed Koopmeiners in multiple roles throughout the season, a factor that has arguably made his integration more challenging

“That’s exactly what I always say,” the midfielder’s brother claimed.

“But it’s the coach’s decision, and he’s the only one I listen to. I don’t pay much attention to fan opinions, even though I know they are the most important part of the club.

“The truth is, people don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes at Juve. Even I don’t know everything, but I can tell you it’s not easy. Right now, the most important thing is for him to find happiness again—everything else will follow.”

epa11763142 Juventus’ Teun Koopmeinea jubilates after scoring during the Italian Serie A soccer match Juventus FC vs Bologna FC at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, 7 December 2024. EPA-EFE/Alessandro Di Marco

Does Koopmeiners regret choosing Juventus over Liverpool?

“No, never. Teun loves Juve. As his brother, I can tell you I had never seen him as happy as he was in the photos he sent me on the day of his presentation.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t be there for the signing, but his face said it all—I had never seen that kind of happiness on him before.

“His goal is to stay at Juve. We’re talking about one of the biggest clubs in the world. He loves Italy, he loves Juve, and he doesn’t regret his decision—not even one percent.”