The hopes of La Liga giants Real Madrid of emerging triumphant from the upcoming UEFA Super Cup have late on Wednesday been afforded a considerable boost.
This comes amid confirmation that a leading member of the midfield ranks at opponents-in-waiting Atalanta is refusing to take part in training alongside the rest of his teammates.
The player in question? Teun Koopmeiners.
Late on Wednesday evening, word was forthcoming that Dutch international Koopmeiners had been involved in a serious falling out with manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
And an explanation for precisely why has since arrived, too.
In quotes provided by Atalanta boss Gasperini to LâEco di Bergamo, it has been confirmed that âKoopâ has indeed come to the decision to sit out training moving forward.
This comes amid an attempt to force through a move to Serie A rivals Juventus:
âHe decided he wants to go to Juventus. He has an agreement with them, he doesnât want to train with us. Heâs not playing with us anymore: heâs out. The club feels blackmailed.â
Koopmeiners, as a result, is considered to be all but ruled out of Atalantaâs upcoming UEFA Super Cup showdown with Spanish champions Real Madrid, set to play out in Warsaw next Wednesday.
Conor Laird | GSFN
