McKennie explains Juventus’ defeat: ‘Nothing to do with tactics’

ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Weston Mckennie of Juventus FC scores his team's opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus at Stadio Via del Mare on October 25, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Weston McKennie insists Juventus’ 2-0 loss against Genoa has ‘nothing to do’ with tactics: ‘In the end, there are 11 players on the field; we must do more.’

Juventus lost 2-0 against Genoa on Wednesday in Serie A Round 9.

The Bianconeri have lost two of their last three matches and currently sit 8th in the standings.

“We must do more. Run, fight, and make more sacrifices for the teammates,” McKennie told Sky Sport Italia at full time.

“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.”

Why did Juventus look so unable to respond to Genoa today?

“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,” McKennie said.

Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti is dealing with an injury crisis and has limited options, especially in attack and central midfield. He has often been forced to change system in recent matches, but McKennie feels the team’s problems lie elsewhere.

“For me, it has nothing to do with it [tactics],” the American said.

“As I said before, 11 players are on the field. 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. Juventus are a club with great history and wins; we must return to winning more consistently.”

McKennie, 28, has scored ten goals and provided nine assists in 46 appearances under Luciano Spalletti since the Italian tactician was appointed a year ago.

Juventus’ next game is against Napoli on Sunday. The Partenopei beat Monza 4-1 away this evening.