Weston McKennie’s journey to Juventus has been far from smooth. After joining the 36-time Italian champion for the 2020-21 season, he suffered a broken foot that cut his playing time short. As a result, he was loaned to Leeds United in January, where he unfortunately couldn’t help the English club avoid relegation. However, McKennie has returned to Juventus this summer, determined to prove his worth to both the team and its fans.
Overcoming Challenges
During a news conference at the U.S. national team camp in St. Louis, the 25-year-old midfielder expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return to Juventus. McKennie acknowledged that coming back to the club wasn’t easy, as he left during a time of crisis. He felt like he was starting from square one again. However, he saw it as a challenge that he needed in his career to prove to people that he still had what it takes.
Juventus’ Struggles
Juventus has faced its fair share of difficulties as well. The team was penalized 10 points in the standings last season due to financial violations, causing them to miss out on this season’s Champions League. Furthermore, they were banned from all UEFA competitions as a result of the improprieties. A team that had won nine consecutive titles before faces an uphill battle for success.
Mckennie’s ability to adapt to new situations and environments can be traced back to his nomadic upbringing. With his father serving in the U.S. Air Force, he constantly moved around, making new friends and adjusting to new cultures. This upbringing has not only shaped him as a person but has also prepared him for the challenges of playing for different teams and countries.
A Versatile Duo
Teammates Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah share a strong bond on and off the field. Both players started all four matches for the U.S. at last year’s World Cup. While Weah is a winger for the Americans, McKennie plays as a central midfielder. However, at Juventus, both players have been playing out of their preferred positions. McKennie humorously highlighted that they are currently fulfilling the roles of starting right wingback and backup right wingback. Their versatility and ability to adapt have been invaluable assets for the team.
McKennie and Weah are not the only club teammates on the current U.S. roster. They are joined by other pairs of players, such as Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah at AC Milan, and Sergiño Dest, Ricardo Pepi, and Malik Tillman at PSV Eindhoven. The presence of these familiar faces has fostered strong chemistry and understanding among the players. McKennie and Weah’s existing rapport from their time at Juventus will only enhance their performance on the national stage.
A Partnership On and Off the Field
Off the field, McKennie admits that he can be a handful for Weah at times. However, on the field, their understanding of each other’s playing style is exceptional. McKennie emphasized the importance of having a travel partner like Weah and the benefits it brings to their performance. The close bond they share will undoubtedly contribute to their success as teammates.
Looking Ahead with Berhalter
The upcoming match against Uzbekistan will mark Gregg Berhalter’s first game as coach in his second term. McKennie expressed the team’s excitement to continue where they left off with Berhalter. Under his guidance, the U.S. national team reached the second round of the last World Cup. McKennie and his teammates are eager to work with Berhalter again and build on their previous successes.
Weston McKennie’s return to Juventus is an opportunity for him to prove his worth to the team and its fans. Despite facing challenges along the way, both personally and as a team, McKennie remains determined to succeed. His adaptability, versatility, and strong bond with his fellow American teammate, Timothy Weah, will undoubtedly contribute to their success on the field. As they look ahead to the future under the leadership of coach Gregg Berhalter, McKennie and the rest of the U.S. national team are filled with enthusiasm and determination.
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