McKennie: ‘Juventus coach Spalletti the best I’ve had; incredible to play with Ronaldo’ | OneFootball

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.

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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.

“He always says that you can dribble past four opponents, score and be happy, but if you provide a beautiful assist, two people are happy. That is why I say he is the best coach I have had in my career. The numbers say it and the way he manages the group makes him an outstanding coach.”

On Ronaldo, McKennie was equally vivid, recalling the sheer reality of the Portuguese superstar’s legendary dedication. “It was incredible to play with him,” he said. “When I met him I thought that everything you hear about his professionalism is completely true.”

He went on to describe scenes that have become almost mythological in football, returning from away matches at three in the morning to find Ronaldo heading for an ice bath rather than home, and seeing him back in the gym the morning after a gruelling fixture. “It was something I needed to see with my own eyes to believe,” McKennie said.