Juventus Faces Defeat Against Genoa, McKennie Calls for Team Commitment
Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie emphasized the importance of player effort following the team’s 2-0 defeat to Genoa in Serie A on Wednesday. The Bianconeri have struggled lately, losing two of their last three matches, and currently sit in 8th place in the league standings.
“We must do more. Run, fight, and make more sacrifices for the teammates,” McKennie said in a post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia. He dismissed the notion that tactical decisions were to blame for the loss, stating, “In the end, you can say all you want about tactics, but there are 11 players on the field, and the battle is on the field. Genoa did better than us today, and that’s how it ended.”
McKennie pointed to a lack of response from the team during the match. “I don’t know. We try to talk in the dressing room to have more energy and do more. But on the pitch, there’s no talking; we must do. Each one of us,” he added, indicating a need for greater personal responsibility on the field.
Head coach Luciano Spalletti is currently navigating an injury crisis, particularly affecting the attack and central midfield positions. However, McKennie believes the issues extend beyond just tactics. “For me, it has nothing to do with it [tactics],” he stated. “Tactics help, but running five or ten meters more makes the difference; it’s not the tactics. It’s about being determined to finish an attack, track back, and fight for your teammate. We must do more. Simply do more. We are Juventus, and at Juventus, we can’t have these ups and downs.”
The American midfielder, now 28, has achieved ten goals and nine assists in 46 appearances under Spalletti since his appointment last year. Looking ahead, Juventus will face Napoli this Sunday, who recently secured a 4-1 victory over Monza.
