Juventus star Teun Koopmeiners’ brother: “It’s really just a matter of time…”

Teun Koopmeiners became one of Serie A’s most expensive transfers last summer but has found life at Juventus hard since moving from Atalanta. Although he has shown form in stretches, overall it has been disappointing. With Juventus now almost ensured of a trophyless season, questions will now be asked of the Dutch midfielder.

His brother Peer Koopmeiners recently spoke to Gianluca di Marzio about his brother’s season and struggles for the Old Lady.

He said: “I know his (Teun’s) situation well and I have never failed to be close to him. Against Verona 10 days ago he then scored a wonderful goal. The reasons that pushed him not to celebrate? I don’t know them but after the goal I saw him smile with his teammates. Having said that, Teun has many qualities and the esteem for him was fully reiterated in Thiago Motta’s positive statements to the press. But my brother knows well that he has to give more and knowing him I can tell you that he is always very self-critical. Sooner or later his qualities will emerge.”

When asked about why he thought his brother was struggling, Peer told gianlucadimarzio.com that it was probably a result of external and media pressure given the price at which the player was signed. He also said that it was probably just a settling in period at a new club and environment alongside a new manager and teammates. “I can assure you that my brother wants to go back to being the player he was at Atalanta and help the team with goals and assists. I know how he is and I know that every single day he gives his all to go back to being decisive. It’s really just a matter of time before he goes back to being the one he was in Bergamo…” . The 27 year old only has 2 goals and 3 assists in the league this season.

Peer himself is a professional footballer too, plying his trade at AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivise as a deeper midfielder.

Kaulik Mitra | GIFN