McKennie Explodes Into 2026 as Pochettino's Bold Gamble Delivers Instant Dividends for USMNT
United States men's national team midfielder Weston McKennie is spearheading Juventus' efforts and remains unfazed by the points lost in their 1-1 stalemate with Lecce as the Bianconeri kicked off 2026 and the World Cup campaign year.
"I believe this result shouldn't frighten us," McKennie commented following Saturday's fixture, after netting his inaugural Serie A strike of the campaign on an evening when Canadian striker Jonathan David squandered a crucial spot-kick that could have secured victory.
"We delivered a solid performance. We lacked that decisive final ball, and spot-kicks can be missed by any player. That's the nature of football - you must progress and concentrate on the upcoming fixture."
The 27-year-old American has steadily emerged as one of Juventus' most vital contributors across multiple campaigns and has discovered greater success during his recent period under head coach Luciano Spalletti.
Across his previous nine fixtures in all tournaments, he has contributed three strikes and two assists, following a period where he managed only one assist in the preceding 31 matches, the majority occurring under Juventus' former manager Igor Tudor, whom the organization dismissed in October.
Although the lost points against the underdogs pushed the Turin outfit further down the standings, McKennie's display demonstrated his abilities and the leadership role he has developed throughout his 205 club appearances.
"Both yes and no," he responded when asked if the stalemate felt like a squandered chance to improve their league position. "Games of this nature can assist your climb up the table, so naturally, there's some disappointment. However, you cannot dwell on missed opportunities. You must continue moving forward."
Juventus currently occupy fourth position in Serie A with 33 points from 18 fixtures, trailing Christian Pulisic's AC Milan by five points, though Milan possess a match in reserve.
Pochettino's November USMNT Camp Bet Pays Off
Saturday's encounter witnessed McKennie operating in a more forward attacking position compared to the defensive midfield and right wing-back roles he has occupied for much of the campaign. His reliability, availability and steadiness have enabled him to earn Spalletti's confidence, partially due to his absence from the November USMNT gathering.
Despite McKennie remaining among the most crucial American talents, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino chose not to select him for the final camp in 2025, instead proposing that his break during the international window could assist him in solidifying his standing under Spalletti at club level.
"When a new manager joins a fresh club, you observe that Weston is featuring in every match. With the new manager present, it's crucial for Weston to remain and attempt to persuade the coaching staff," Pochettino explained at that time. "It's more valuable for him to stay with us since we already understand his contributions to the squad."
Pochettino's aspirations for McKennie have now materialized and the midfielder hopes to sustain this form throughout the remainder of the season, building toward the USMNT's 2026 World Cup group encounters against Paraguay, Australia and one nation from Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo.