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Juventus manager Igor Tudor told midfielder Weston McKennie that he needed to lose weight or risk losing his place in the team, the United States international has revealed.
The 27-year-old American midfielder, who has spent five years in Turin, opened up on Tudor's direct approach during pre-season, explaining how it 'really put pressure' on him to transform his conditioning.
'My genetics are kicking in finally,' McKennie TNT Sports after a USMNT match this week, when the broadcast crew commented on his slimmer appearance.
'I had a long pre-season. My coach back at Juventus, Tudor, really put pressure on me and said, "Hey, you're getting older, and your body's not gonna be able to bounce back from games the way that you used to be able to, and you need to cut down some weight, and that's the only way you're gonna be involved with this team."
According to reports in Italy, the Croatian coach was forthright behind the scenes, warning that McKennie's recovery levels would decline unless he improved his fitness. The American admitted he took the message on board immediately.
'So I put my head down and worked like I usually do,' McKennie said. 'Got on a diet. Don't snack as much anymore. If I do, it's healthy snacks, and I work out more often. So that's what I've been doing, a lot of running.'
United States international Weston McKennie has revealed that he was told he needed to lose weight by his manager Igor Tudor
The fiery Croatian warned the 27-year-old that his body would not be able to recover as quickly as he grows older
The Texan has been with Juventus since 2020 and has repeatedly battled speculation over his future, often regaining a starting place just when an exit appeared likely.
McKennie stressed that the changes had benefits beyond the training ground, revealing that the hard work boosted his confidence as well as his form.
'This summer was the first summer I didn't mind taking my shirt off at the pool!' he added.
McKennie has made seven competitive appearances for Juventus this season, starting four. He has become a regular under Tudor, whose focus on discipline and conditioning has underpinned a steady opening run of results in Serie A and the Champions League.
Juventus appointed Tudor in March following Thiago Motta's sacking exit, with the Croatian promising to restore the intensity and aggression of the club's previous title-winning sides.
