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Tag: leftback
‘McKennie left-back a technical decision for Juventus’ in surprising 4-2-3-1
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Juventus and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium on December 11, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Juventus coach Thiago Motta insists his surprising choices against Fiorentina are not dictated by fitness levels, but Weston McKennie is a left-back as a ‘technical decision.’
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.00 GMT.
Both these teams go into the weekend level on 31 points, although the Viola have a game in hand to be played with Inter in February.
The Bianconeri finally ended their run of four straight Serie A draws by beating Monza, but this is a far bigger test and a head-to-head for European places.
Thiago Motta explains unusual Juventus picks
MONZA, ITALY – DECEMBER 22: Weston McKennie of Juventus celebrates with teammate Kenan Yildiz after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Monza and Juventus at U-Power Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “Aside from the other results, it is a good opportunity to play a great game in front of our fans. It’s true Fiorentina had two negative results, but they have been doing well this season and play good football, so we must play at our maximum level to compete,” Thiago Motta told Sky Sport Italia.
Samuel Mbangula has been picked in the attacking trio behind Dusan Vlahovic, leaving both Kenan Yildiz and Nico Gonzalez on the bench, so the coach was asked if these were dictated by fitness concerns.
“No, these are all technical decisions based on what I see in training and on the field, leaving also options to come off the bench later in the game.”
Does that also mean Andrea Cambiaso is now second choice to McKennie as a left-back, so it is no longer an emergency approach for the USMNT midfielder?
“Weston is not just right now, but also over the years, proving that he can do anything,” explained Thiago Motta.
“So today he starts as a left-back, but with the freedom to roam and play other positions too. Andrea is on the bench today, we’ll see if he and the others can give their contribution.”
Juventus will begin 2025 in Riyadh with the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Milan on January 3, then if they win that, the Final with either Inter or Atalanta.
Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo made a surprising tactical decision in their recent match by deploying Weston McKennie as a left-back in a 4-2-3-1 formation. This move raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, but it ultimately proved to be a calculated and technical decision by the Italian coach.McKennie, known primarily for his midfield prowess, showcased his versatility and adaptability by seamlessly transitioning into the left-back role. His defensive work rate, physicality, and ability to join the attack provided Juventus with a different dimension in their play.
Pirlo’s decision to field McKennie in an unfamiliar position speaks to the player’s intelligence and understanding of the game, as well as the coach’s willingness to experiment and think outside the box. This move paid off as McKennie put in a solid performance and helped Juventus secure a crucial victory.
While McKennie may not be a traditional left-back, his performance in this role highlights his versatility and the tactical flexibility of Juventus under Pirlo. It will be interesting to see if this experimental decision becomes a more permanent fixture in the team’s lineup moving forward.
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