Teun Koopmeiners continues to be held in high regard by the Juventus staff and management, but the window to prove his true worth is narrowing. Igor Tudor believes in the Dutchman`s potential revival, but expectations are clear: starting from the summer training camp, the midfielder must show concrete signs that he can once again be a decisive force in the middle of the park.
Indeed, his initial season in Turin fell significantly short of expectations.
Thiago Motta initially defended him, but as the season progressed, he eventually sidelined him in favour of players who were showing more flair and consistency. Igor Tudor`s arrival hasn`t reversed the trend; Koopmeiners hasn`t managed to climb the pecking order. Consequently, the coach and the player have agreed on a targeted training programme to help him recover his condition and sharpness.
Even during the World Cup, Koopmeiners` usage was managed cautiously, suggesting his physical form was still far from its peak. However, Tudor reportedly has no intention of giving up on him. Upon the team`s return, he wants to give Koopmeiners a fresh opportunity, primarily by trying him in an attacking midfield role starting from the right. This is a position where Conceição was often tested during the US tour, designed to allow Koopmeiners to cut inside and build play almost as an advanced regista.
The upcoming weeks of rest will be crucial for him to recharge and approach the new season with a renewed spirit. At Juventus, however, they are expecting convincing responses right from the start.