epa11790506 Juventus FC's midfielder Weston Mckennie celebrates with Juventus FC's forward Nicolas Gonzalez after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Monza and Juventus FC at U-Power Stadium in Monza, Italy, 22 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI
epa11790506 Juventus FC's midfielder Weston Mckennie celebrates with Juventus FC's forward Nicolas Gonzalez after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Monza and Juventus FC at U-Power Stadium in Monza, Italy, 22 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI
Nico Gonzalez and Weston McKennie insist they are ‘comfortable and happy to continue’ in a variety of different roles for Juventus ‘Professor’ Thiago Motta.
It was all about the result for the Bianconeri, who were in dire need of a boost after four consecutive Serie A stalemates.
Samuele Birindelli cancelled out the McKennie opener, but Nico Gonzalez scored for the second game in a row – after the midweek 4-0 Coppa Italia win over Cagliari – to secure a 2-1 result in Monza.
“I am very happy, firstly because it was too important that the team won. After the injury, getting back to the field is the most wonderful feeling. We are on the right track and must continue like this,” Gonzalez told DAZN.
Having used Teun Koopmeiners in the trequartista role with limited success, in the last couple of games Thiago Motta has moved Nico Gonzalez there, while some are also calling for Kenan Yildiz to take that position.
“I am usually a winger, everyone knows that, but if I have to play in goal to help the team, then I’m happy to do it,” added the Argentina international.
“I told the coach that I feel comfortable there, so I am happy to continue.”
Gonzalez and McKennie Juventus Jokers in the pack
MONZA, ITALY - DECEMBER 22: Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus celebrates scoring his team's second 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)
MONZA, ITALY – DECEMBER 22: Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second 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)
Juventus had been without a Serie A success to celebrate since the Derby della Mole against Torino on November 9.
While they beat Manchester City in the Champions League, their domestic stalemates were against Milan, Lecce, Bologna and Venezia.
“The victory was the most important thing, as it was tough to have that many draws. The three points are good for us, for the fans, our family to help us all have a nicer Christmas,” McKennie told DAZN.
“Scoring a goal or providing an assist is not the most important thing, it’s about the team getting the win.”
Thiago Motta had been content to sell McKennie in pre-season, but not for the first time, the USMNT star managed to win his place back in the side.
“At the start of the season he told me I have to work hard, play anywhere I am needed, which is fine with me. He wants that attitude and it’s only right.”
It was noted that McKennie refers to the coach as ‘Prof’ – the Italian term for a teacher, short for Professor – while he also joked with Nico Gonzalez about the Argentine’s singing.
“It is also important during difficult moments to have moments where you smile and laugh, he has this great South American energy, he’s good to have around.”
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