Why Weston McKennie is finally happy ‘taking shirt off at the pool’ - with USMNT star detailing important changes he has made at Juventus

McKennie has seen the odd question asked of his weight down the years, with the 27-year-old midfielder a combative character who likes to hold his own in any on-field battle. He has, however, been working hard on shedding a few pounds. Benefits there are already being enjoyed.

The United States international will have lounged around a pool somewhere over the summer, and he feels much better about himself in those surroundings. The leaner version of McKennie continues to put his versatility to good use on and off the field.

He operated on the right flank for the USMNT during the latest round of international fixtures, with Mauricio Pochettino looking to shuffle his pack. McKennie has also been shifted around the pitch on a regular basis with Juve. He is now in the best possible condition to deal with any challenges put to him.

McKennie told TNT Sports: “I had a long pre-season, my coach back at Juventus really put pressure on me and said, ‘Hey, you‘re getting older and your body is not going to be able to bounce back from games the way you used to be able to. You need to cut down some weight and that‘s the only way you‘re going to be involved in this team’. I put my head down, worked like I usually do, got on a diet, don‘t snack as much as I used to anymore... I work out more often... a lot of running. This summer was the first summer I didn’t mind taking my shirt off at the pool!”

McKennie has also spoken with Sports Illustrated about improving his fitness, with marginal gains forever being sought by professional athletes.

He said in September: “During preseason this year we had a huge meeting about the recovery process and making sure that we are up to par with every training session ... we run like five, six, seven, eight kilometers every other day in training.

“Vita Coco has so many different aspects that help with that whole process, especially in recovery. I trained a lot in the heat. I used sweat cream, a hoodie, a jacket, everything to sweat out and help lose weight.

“This summer I lost probably eight kilos (17.6 pounds) while drinking Vita Coco at the same time because I don’t want to put so many fluids into my body that put weight back on, so I try to replenish myself and give my body the best chance to cut that weight, stay hydrated and on par with training sessions that I do. It’s a big help for me ... the partnership was also good because they play a big part in me and my foundation.”

McKennie is looking to make the most of the technology and science that performers can buy into. He added: “There’s a lot more available now. Before, I was a guy that took salt tablets before a game and I was done. Now, you have all these other vitamins you can take, fluids you can drink, that can help you be more prepared. I think it was just more straightforward back then.

“I feel like I’m very different than a lot of other people in that aspect, because I don’t need a lot of sleep. I’m a night owl in general ... but the one thing we do stress especially at our training facilities is hydration. It’s one thing we do have a lot of control over... replenishing fluids and vitamins that help with that recovery process.”

McKennie stepped off the bench for Juve in their 2-0 defeat at Como, with that result - which saw the Bianconeri suffer their first Serie A defeat of the 2025-26 campaign - leaving Igo Tudor’s side seventh in the table, but only three points adrift of leaders Inter.