Atalanta's Koopmeiners refuse to train days before UEFA Super Cup to force Juve move
Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed the decision of Dutchman Teun Koopmeiners, who is putting pressure on the Bergamo club to transfer him to Juventus. Real Madrid, the Italians' opponents in the Super Cup final, are rubbing their hands together over a key absence.
3 months ago
The bad news continues for Atalanta ahead of the eagerly awaited European Super Cup final against Real Madrid. The team from Bergamo, who lost Scamacca to a serious injury a few days ago, will not be able to count on Teun Koopmeiners for the match against the European champions.
Gian Piero Gasperini resignedly confirmed this to 'Eco di Bergamo'. Juventus' interest in the Dutchman was known, but there was no certainty that the midfielder was pushing for such a persistent move. According to the Atalanta coach, Koopmeiners has refused to train and play for the 'Nerazzurri' in a bid to be considered for a move to the 'Vecchia Signora'.
"Everything was going well until last week, when he - for Koopmeiners - chose to go to Juventus. He has decided not to play and not to train with us any more," explained the Atalanta coach. "He already has an agreement with Juventus and with this attitude he can't be useful for the team or his team-mates," continued Gasperini, who took his absence from the Super Cup final virtually for granted.
The 'Dea' coach assured that his team's approach to such moves has changed: "It's a different situation from the past, when Atalanta were selling at a premium. The club has a firm stance, as it feels blackmailed".
In addition to this almost confirmed absence and that of Scamacca, Atalanta will also be without Scalvini, who also suffered a cruciate fracture before the European Championship. "We are at a minimum and the club will sort it out, but right now we are much less competitive than last season," he insisted.
Gian Piero Gasperini resignedly confirmed this to 'Eco di Bergamo'. Juventus' interest in the Dutchman was known, but there was no certainty that the midfielder was pushing for such a persistent move. According to the Atalanta coach, Koopmeiners has refused to train and play for the 'Nerazzurri' in a bid to be considered for a move to the 'Vecchia Signora'.
"Everything was going well until last week, when he - for Koopmeiners - chose to go to Juventus. He has decided not to play and not to train with us any more," explained the Atalanta coach. "He already has an agreement with Juventus and with this attitude he can't be useful for the team or his team-mates," continued Gasperini, who took his absence from the Super Cup final virtually for granted.
The 'Dea' coach assured that his team's approach to such moves has changed: "It's a different situation from the past, when Atalanta were selling at a premium. The club has a firm stance, as it feels blackmailed".
In addition to this almost confirmed absence and that of Scamacca, Atalanta will also be without Scalvini, who also suffered a cruciate fracture before the European Championship. "We are at a minimum and the club will sort it out, but right now we are much less competitive than last season," he insisted.
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