Juventus star drops bombshell: Manager threatened to axe him unless he shed pounds!
When Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie returned for pre-season, he found himself faced with a stark ultimatum from new manager Igor Tudor. The American revealed that Tudor directly told him he would need to lose weight or risk his place in the squad. This candid conversation, McKennie said, became a turning point in his approach to fitness and preparation.
During a recent interview with TNT Sports after a USMNT match, McKennie discussed how his physical transformation was no accident. “My genetics are kicking in finally,” he remarked when the broadcast team noted his slimmer figure. He further explained, “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.'”
Reports from Italy support McKennie’s account of Tudor’s unyielding style, emphasizing that the Croatian manager was clear about the risks if the midfielder failed to improve his fitness. Tudor reportedly warned McKennie that his ability to recover between matches would diminish as he aged, making physical conditioning non-negotiable for a place in the team.
McKennie responded to Tudor’s challenge with determination. “So I put my head down and worked like I usually do,” McKennie admitted. “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.” This disciplined approach has had tangible results, not just on the pitch but also in boosting his self-esteem.
He shared how the changes extended beyond football, giving him new confidence. “This summer was the first summer I didn’t mind taking my shirt off at the pool!” the Texas-born midfielder joked. This sense of personal accomplishment paralleled his resurgence as a regular in the Juventus lineup.
Since joining Juventus in 2020, McKennie has regularly faced speculation about his future at the club, but he has often managed to reclaim his spot in the starting eleven. Under Tudor’s guidance, he has featured in seven competitive games this season, starting four of them, as the manager’s focus on discipline and fitness has coincided with a promising start in both Serie A and the Champions League.
Juventus appointed Tudor in March after the dismissal of Thiago Motta, with the Croatian coach vowing to reintroduce the toughness and energy that defined the club’s title-winning eras. For McKennie, Tudor’s demanding standards have been both a challenge and a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
