McKennie: ‘Juventus coach Spalletti the best I’ve had; incredible to play with Ronaldo’
McKennie: ‘Juventus coach Spalletti the best I’ve had; incredible to play with Ronaldo’ Weston McKennie has delivered a glowing tribute to Luciano Spalletti in a wide-ranging interview for DAZN’s Remember the Name format, describing the Juventus head coach as the best manager of his career while also reflecting on the extraordinary experience of sharing a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo. Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News & Content – Free Trial – Click Here The American midfielder has been one of Juventus’ most consistent performers this season and recently signed a contract renewal, a far cry from the period not long ago when he appeared to have no future at the club. Much of that transformation, McKennie suggests, is down to the environment Spalletti has created around him.
“I get on very well with him,” McKennie said, with quotes via AlfredoPedulla . “I think every player has different needs and there are different expectations on each of us. Every time I see the manager he gives me a sense of security.
” He was particularly struck by Spalletti’s ability to deliver criticism constructively, an approach he contrasted with other managers he has worked under. “When he tells you off he never does it in a harsh way, he always does it to make you improve. Some coaches humiliate you, but Spalletti’s personality makes you think that you need to get better.
He commands your attention every time he speaks, he has experience, he is wise. ” TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Luciano Spalletti Head Coach of Juventus FC reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A. S.
at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images) Juventus, McKennie: ‘Spalletti is the best coach I’ve had’ McKennie also highlighted the collective philosophy that underpins everything Spalletti does. “He focuses heavily on team success,” he said.