Juventus manager Thiago Motta confirmed Weston McKennie has been reinstated to the squad, unlike Federico Chiesa.
The 41-year-old ousted several first-team stars upon his arrival in Continassa. These players were omitted from pre-season friendlies and have been training separately while awaiting their transfers.
But on the eve of the opening fixture of the season against Como, Motta revealed that McKennie has returned to the fold.
“McKennie is a useful and functional player for our needs,” said the Juventus coach in his pre-match press conference via JuventusNews24.
“Tomorrow we only have 19 players available. We are fine, we had a good pre-season and we’re ready for Como.”
But while McKennie is back, Chiesa remains among the exiles.
“The situation regarding Chiesa hasn’t changed. We discussed it internally. It shows the respect I have for the players. It’s all about transparency and clarity.
The former Bologna manager is anxious to make his official bow at the Allianz Stadium.
“We can’t wait for tomorrow’s match. We’re looking forward to taking on our opponents and reaching our objective. We want to put in a great performance and get the result we want.
Motta warned Kenan Yildiz of the responsibility that accompanies the iconic Number 10 jersey.
“It is a great responsibility. Wearing a historic number, but he is a strong player, with a strong personality and a good work ethic.
“He has this culture for work and this is important. He shows maturity beyond his age.”
The Italo-Brazilian is also expecting a solid campaign from his old Paris Saint-Germain pupil Timothy Weah.
“Tim has room to improve in every aspect, and he can do it. I am not surprised by his skills, even if he was very young when I coached him at PSG.
“Today he can express his potential to the fullest. He will certainly offer a big hand to the team.”
Finally, Motta heaped praise on Dusan Vlahovic while urging his teammates to support him in attack.
“Dusan looks fine, he is working well, and helping his teammates. We are keeping him close to us, so that he can give us a big hand.
“He is a great striker but all the players need the team. I am very happy, I have great enthusiasm and we have great energy to do a great job tomorrow and bring three points home.”
i think they know he`s going to merda.
They won’t let him do that. That’s why Juve will definitely sell Chiesa this year.
McKennie in , Kostic in Chiesa out ?!?!?!?!
Juve is unhinged !
Nobody needs McKennie and Kostic, unfortunately. But this is not surprising. They are average, overrated players.
Apparently your beloved Motta wants them yet he thinks Chiesa is not technically or tactically capable and then Mckennie with 300 pounds pleases Thiago
Chiesa is the best attacking Italian player in this moment. He is not old and he can play at both wings. I think its worth saving him in the club. McKennie and Kostic are mediocre, they wont go bigger then this.
Whoever is saying that Mckennie is a mediocre player should be ashaned to give any opinion relating to football maaters! Rest assured that they will have to retract their comments very soon.
Mckennie? Didn’t he already got sold to EPL club? How come he reinstated back to the team?
Why not chiesa on team’s plan? He can cut inside as a winger & pretty solid when he’s on his prime, even though he’s under perform right now due to injuries. Its really sad to see him being pushed out from the team all this time