Koopmeiners: ‘Juventus could’ve done better, but Manchester City are strong’ | OneFootball

Teun Koopmeiners admits ‘there are so many things we need to do better’ after Juventus were swept aside 5-2 by Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Although both teams had already qualified for the Round of 16, this was a head-to-head for top spot in Group G, and a draw would’ve been enough to secure it thanks to scoring one more goal in the opening two games.

Instead, the Bianconeri were flattened 5-2 in Orlando, including a comical Pierre Kalulu own goal and two efforts that were practically walked into the net by Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

Koopmeiners frustrated at Juventus errors

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 26: Teun Koopmeiners #8 of Juventus FC scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“It was a difficult match, against a very strong opponent,” Koopmeiners told Sport Mediaset.

“It is tough to play against a team like this, we managed to score two goals when they made mistakes, but there are so many things we need to do better.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Juventus 2-5 Manchester City

Koopmeiners scored the temporary equaliser when pouncing on a poor Ederson ball out from the back, while Dusan Vlahovic only just managed to make the scoreline slightly less humiliating late on.

“There are so many things we could’ve done better, in terms of technique and also the team work. When we get the ball back, we have to do better. It’s true the opponents were too strong today, but at the same time, we are Juventus.”

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 26: Phil Foden #47 of Manchester City scores his team’s fourth goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Koopmeiners was one of the six changes to the starting XI put out by coach Igor Tudor this evening, having recovered from injury concerns.

“I am happy with the goal, we were trailing and it was important to equalise. However, I am sad that we conceded so many goals. It was not a good evening, I too could’ve done better. It is important that we learn from this and improve in the next matches.”

That will likely be against Real Madrid, as by finishing runners-up, Juventus will now face the winners of Group H in the Round of 16.

Considering this was the first major test of their Club World Cup after wins over Al-Ain and Wydad, does the 5-2 defeat change the perception of Juventus and their ambition in this tournament?

“I don’t know, we talked at half-time and it is disappointing we were not able to do better,” concluded Koopmeiners.