10 September 2024
Teun Koopmeiners has finally been presented as a new Juventus player, speaking at his introductory press conference at the Allianz Stadium.
Below are the highlights of what the Bianconeri's new No.8 had to say.
His arrival at Juventus
“I’ve enjoyed these few days, I was and still am delighted to be here and it’s living up to my expectations so far. I’m getting on well with everybody, from the team to the coach.
“This break from league action has been very useful for me to get to work with the team. This is the beginning of a new adventure and Juventus have always been close to my heart. I used to watch them as a child, and I always thought they were a club I’d like to play for some day. It took a while to get here, but that’s part of football - waiting.
“I was always confident that the move would go through, and now I’m thinking about what’s to come. I’m feeling good and I’m ready.”
From his past to future goals
“I had some great years at Atalanta, crowned with a trophy last season. I grew as a man and as a player and really enjoyed my time in Bergamo. Change is part of life, it happens, and now I’m happy to have taken this step.
“My main goals aren’t personal because I’m part of a team, we all have our responsibility. I want to help the team in any way I can - by scoring or providing assists. If I can do that then I’ll be happy.
“Juventus have won a lot of titles and there are high expectations here, but we need time and to take things step by step and game by game. A lot of things here are new and we have to work together. Now we’re focused on Empoli, obviously we all want to win.
On the pitch
“I prefer playing in midfield, which is what Juventus signed me to do. But I’m happy to play deeper and to see the pitch from another perspective if it’s needed.
“I grew up wearing the No.8 and at Atlanta it wasn’t available, and it’s nice ton know it’s been worn by great players here. I’d say Zinedine Zidane is an inspiration of mine, but Juventus have always had great midfielders, like [Andrea] Pirlo and [Claudio] Marchisio, who himself wore the No.8.”
The fans’ expectations
“I have to thank them for the wonderful reception they’ve given me, both on the day I got here and then at the stadium. It puts pressure, expectations and responsibility on me, but that’s exactly why we play football.”
Working with Thiago Motta and the team
“The boss asks us to play with intensity. We play four at the back here, with Atalanta it was three, but these are subtle differences and during a match things are fluid and change. My relationship with the Coach is really good, I feel the hunger here and you can see it in every training session. We want to carry that onto the pitch as well.”
Eyes on the Champions League
“The game against PSG [Eindhoven] will be important. We’re really looking froward to it, and we have an idea of how to face a Dutch side, but the focus will mostly be on ourselves and our performance.”
