Utrecht's Artem Stepanov Faces Fight for Starting Spot After Coach's Criticism

Artem Stepanov could lose his place in Utrecht's starting lineup as the new Eredivisie season begins. ESPN reports that the 18-year-old Ukrainian forward has been receiving negative feedback from new head coach Anthony Correia. Correia replaced Ron Jans in the summer and immediately changed the training program. According to the report, the adjustments did not suit several players. The coach wants his squad to act on time in decisive moments and read situations correctly. Training has also become more intense and longer. Stepanov, per ESPN, is constantly criticized because Correia believes the Ukrainian does not pick the right moment to start pressing in the opponent's half. Others have also been singled out, with the coach saying they fail to offer teammates timely guidance on the right decisions. Last season, Stepanov played 15 matches for Utrecht and won a starting place by the end of the campaign, scoring five goals and recording one assist. His loan deal runs through the summer of 2027, with Bayer holding his contract. Utrecht finished sixth in the Eredivisie last season, then lost in the playoff for a spot in European competition. The new season starts today, August 9, as the team faces Groningen at 15:30.