Van Der Sar thinks Spalletti stability will help Koopmeiners and advises Di Gregorio | OneFootball

Former Juventus goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar believes that Luciano Spalletti and the stability that he brings will help bring the best out of Teun Koopmeiners in Turin, and has also lent a word of advice to current Bianconeri goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio: ‘That’s what you need to focus on’.

Van der Sar on Koopmeiners, Spalletti and Di Gregorio

The Dutchman was in attendance at the Football Business Forum in Milan on Friday, and gave a brief assessment of the current state of affairs at his former club, Juventus, to reporters at the event.

Reporters were keen to hear van der Sar’s thoughts on his compatriot, Koopmeiners, who has not lived up to expectations since his €60m transfer from Atalanta last summer.

“I think he did a tremendous job first in Holland and then he got the transfer to Atalanta, developed into one of the strongest midfielders in Italy,” van der Sar said.

TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 09: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus looks dejected after the team’s defeat in the Serie A match between Juventus and Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium on March 09, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“I haven’t followed Juventus all the time, but I’ve heard about the struggles and sometimes journalists still want an answer from me.

“Sometimes it takes a little bit more time and the changing of the managers doesn’t help of course, maybe they played a different system, but in general, he’s been one of the outstanding Dutch players for us over the last couple of years. Hopefully he can make his mark on the midfield again in Turin.”

Van der Sar was asked if he thinks that the recent appointment of Luciano Spalletti will help to get the best out of Koopmeiners.

CREMONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Coach Luciano Spalletti of Juventus FC reacts before the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Juventus FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on November 01, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

He feels that having stability in the role of head coach is the most important thing, not just for Koopmeiners, but for the entire club.

“I think it’s not only important for one player, I think that Juventus have to get the right coach to bring the club forwards. I think stability is something the club needs. I’ve experienced it myself, too much change of a manager is not going to develop the greatness of success.

“I think he proved it before, so make sure they give him a chance and bring Juventus back to the place where they deserve to be.”

Van der Sar was also asked for his opinion on Michele Di Gregorio and was asked if he has any advice for struggling Juventus goalkeepers.

“I don’t know anything about that,” van der Sar joked.

20th May 2001: Van Der Sar of Juventus in action during the Serie A 31st Round League match between Bologna and Juventus played at the Renato Dall”Ara Stadium Bologna . Gabriele Guerra/ GRAZIA NERI. DIGITAL CAMERA Mandatory Credit: Grazia Neri/ALLSPORT

“It’s more about the players. If you’re a team that works every day on the training ground with the goalkeeping coach, that’s the safe environment you need to focus on. The outside world nowadays, in Italy, with the newspapers, online, the social media, you have to keep a clear head. He has clear qualities, but not every player gets all their qualities out all the time.