Trainer Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken very positively about Teun Koopmeiners. At the press conference in the run-up to the Champions League meeting with Manchester United, Atalanta’s choice lord spoke about the midfielder, who according to Gasperini is “destined to become a future Atalanta leader”. Couple of
“He is a young player, but with a great personality,” said Gasperini when asked about his view on Koopmeiners. “He has grown enormously in his first weeks. He is destined to become a future Atalanta leader along with the other captains of this team.” la Dea. In the last five games of Atalanta, Koopmeiners received a base place from Gasperini four times.
The positive words addressed to the Dutchman are somewhat striking, as Gasperini did not seem convinced of the number 7 a few weeks ago. “Having Koopmeiners, De Roon and Freuler play together is difficult with my vision of football, but anything is possible. Teun as an attacking midfielder? I rather see Pasalic in that role, but Teun has the quality,” said the coach, who has to solve a luxury problem against Manchester United.
After two weeks of injury, Merih Demiral returned to the central heart of the five-man defence. In the absence of the suspended José Luis Palomino, Marten de Roon was given a starting spot against Lazio (2-2) last weekend, but the Argentine defender is expected to return the Reds back to basics. Thus, Gasperini may refer De Roon or Koopmeiners to the bench in the Champions League match. A midfield with the two Dutchmen and without Remo Freuler is also possible.
The day before the meeting with Atalanta, competitor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also gave a striking press conference, albeit for a different reason. The United manager responded confidently to a question about the storm of criticism he has faced in the English press lately. “Criticism can make you doubt yourself or stand up for yourself. I have always enjoyed criticism. Keep coming with the criticism, I think that’s fine,” Solskjaer said.