International football

McKennie Faces USMNT Challenge​ After Years of Proving Worth at Juventus

ROME – Weston McKennie, accustomed to battling for his position at Juventus, now finds himself in a similar situation with the U.S.⁢ Men’s National Team, as increased competition for ⁣midfield spots and a ⁣coach ​willing to prioritize current form over past ​accomplishments create a new challenge for⁣ the veteran player. ‌

For years,‌ McKennie has navigated a recurring cycle at‍ the Italian club, repeatedly​ being deemed⁤ “out of the project” during the offseason – ⁣even‌ facing the ‍loss of locker room privileges – ⁣only to fight his way back into the starting⁣ lineup. “The summer is always a ‌roller coaster ⁣for me. So, nothing’s really changed,” McKennie said Thursday ⁤with a ⁣smile. “I’m kind ⁤of⁢ used ⁤to it now.” He attributes his success in reclaiming his place to consistent hard‍ work. “It’s year after year, so​ it’s years of practice,”⁢ he grinned, adding, “I don’t think⁤ anyone ‍wants to have their head messed with every summer. But, I’m used to ​it… whenever it comes around ⁣to the​ summertime, I know‌ it’s just the best time for me to put my head down ⁣and do what I‌ do​ best and work, and hopefully prove people wrong, but mostly ⁢prove myself right.”

McKennie’s recent ‌form at Juventus reflects this resilience. After⁤ limited playing time early‍ in the season, he has started four games, including two⁢ in ⁣the Champions League, and appeared in five matches over the past month. Though, the landscape within the USMNT⁤ midfield has shifted, ⁣with a ⁢deeper ​pool of‍ players and a coach, reportedly Pochettino, demonstrating a willingness to favor players​ performing well in ⁤the⁢ moment.

When​ asked if he felt he needed to earn back ‍a starting spot with the national team, McKennie responded, “That’s for ⁣the outside⁢ people to think, and the coaching staff to feel like. I just ​come in and do my best. If‍ the coach ​thinks it’s ⁢a good fit for the ⁣starting⁤ 11, it’s a‌ good‌ fit.if‍ it’s not, then‌ it’s not.” He acknowledged being away from the team for several months but downplayed the meaning of a March incident,stating he hadn’t been around long enough to⁣ gauge how others were ‍interpreting events. “I’m just here to do‍ my job whenever‌ I’m called upon,” ​he said. “And that’s ‌that.”