“The Juventus midfielder has said that new coach Luciano Spalletti has put him back in a comfortable position, hinting at the tactical mistakes of previous mentors.”, — write: football.ua
The Juventus midfielder has said that new coach Luciano Spalletti has put him back in a comfortable position, hinting at the tactical mistakes of previous mentors.
Ten Koepmeiners Getty Images November 6, 2025, 1:30 p.m
The Dutch midfielder, who was considered one of the major transfer failures of the season, appears to be getting a new lease of life under a new manager.
Kopmainers, who joined Juve last summer, could not find his footing under Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor. He was often used in unusual positions, in particular as an attacking midfielder or even a “ten” playing with his back to the goal.
After the recent match with Sporting (1:1), Kopmainers did not hide his satisfaction with the changes.
“I feel much better in this position, because I am not a striker who plays with his back to the goal, as was the case at the beginning of the season,” said the Dutchman.
These words are considered a direct criticism of Motta and Tudor. According to Spalletti, Koepmainers is back in his usual, deeper position in midfield (or even as a left central defender with playmaking functions), where he can control the ball and start attacks.
”I talked about it with Spalletti… I’ve played in this position for many years, this is where I feel comfortable,” Koepmainers concluded.