‘Put Weston McKennie in the midfield! Tim Weah on the wing!’ - Father of USMNT star questions bizarre positional play of Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri

There are now two United States internationals on the books at the Allianz Stadium, with McKennie having returned from a forgettable loan spell at Leeds during which he suffered relegation out of the Premier League. He has been joined in Turin by countryman Weah following a €12 million (£10m/$13m) summer transfer deal.

The American duo have found themselves competing against one another for game time under Allegri in 2023-24, with both being asked to fill a right wing-back role. McKennie has been getting the nod when it comes to starting berths, with Weah often being brought on in his place.

McKennie has done his best in an unfamiliar role, but the 25-year-old’s father feels the time has come to stop putting square pegs into round holes. John McKennie has responded to a post on social media asking if Allegri should be fired before the end of the season by saying: “Put McKennie in the midfield! Weah on the wing. They have proven they play well together in their respective positions!”

McKennie senior went on to add that: “I have my own opinions, but would never wish anyone to be fired. At the end of the day, the coach has a plan. We don’t have to like it! I am also a fan, but he’s the COACH! Let’s not take my words out of context!”

Juve have picked up 14 points from seven games in 2023-24, seeing them sat fourth in the Serie A table, and Allegri is unlikely to tinker too much with a system that has been delivering results even if performances have not been the most exciting.