Weston McKennie has told The American Dream podcast that his lack of fitness was the reason to blame for his failure while on loan at Leeds United last season – claiming match sharpness was missing.
McKennie, 25, joined Leeds in the January window as one of three signings made in that month by the club. Georginio Rutter and Max Wober, too. McKennie was seen as a real coup in the middle of the park.
But, the USA star struggled. His close friend and USA teammate Tyler Adams was sidelined soon after his arrival and McKennie clearly could not cope with the intensity of the Premier League. A real failure.
He has since returned to Juventus where he has worked his way back into Max Allegri’s plans with The Old Lady. Speaking while on USA duty, McKennie said he was lacking in game fitness while at Leeds.
“I’m not one to make excuses at all, but I don’t think my physical fitness was the best because I was so used to being at Juventus and playing every three days. Game fitness is so different to training fitness.
“I become game fit by playing games. You can’t replicate that in training, you can try, but I can’t do that. Playing one game a week, I didn’t feel I was in the best shape in being able to last a 90-minute game.”
McKennie explains why he failed on loan at Leeds last season
Clearly, McKennie has quality. But to say he could only become fit by playing more games – well that is an excuse, from a man that does not make excuses. As a footballer, it is fundamental to be match fit.
Or at least, able to last 90 minutes to a decent degree. McKennie was criticised for his fitness during the loan spell and his comments will only add fuel to the fire. The intensity proved too difficult for McKennie.
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