r/KenanYildiz

Tuttosport published a piece examining the recent decline in Yıldız's performance. According to the report, Yıldız is untouchable regardless of Juventus’ qualification status in European competitions. It was noted that, although the decline in his performance coinciding with his contract renewal is probably just a coincidence, it does not change the fact that he hasn’t scored for almost two months. The outlet reported that Yıldız’s knee situation is not worrying and it has been improving according to their sources in JMedical. It argues that the decline may be due to physiological factors rather than any lingering physical problem, considering that he just turned 21 and his body and mind are adjusting to his heavy responsibilities. The newspaper added that he wears Juve’s iconic number 10, which carries high expectations due to its earlier bearers, but he does that in a team without leaders and with no personality, noting that it may be too much even for an undeniable talent. It was also noted that there may be pressure from the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The article observed that Yıldız genuinely seemed sad and disappointed after the Fiorentina defeat, which shows that he is fully invested in the current rebuild of Juventus that will start from scratch “again”. According to the coverage, he is key to Juventus’ marketing strategy and he will still be the center of the project, but the supporting cast around him should improve as well. The outlet reiterated that he is already watched by Real Madrid closely and if he shines on the FIFA World Cup, this would put him on Premier League clubs’ radar as well.

The report noted that Kenan Yıldız is still highly regarded by the club ownership and management and also by Spalletti, who always praised his technical and moral qualities, his humility and his positive role in the dressing room.

The Meet & Greet event at the Allianz Stadium Megastore featured Juventus players Pinsoglio, Koopmeiners, and Kenan Yıldız, who greeted supporters and signed the newly released team kits. A large number of fans attended. The event also included a brief media session in which Yıldız answered questions from the press. Here are some excerpts from that interview:

Reporter: How is your knee feeling now? We heard you reduced your training load and did some physiotherapy to manage it. How do you deal with it during matches, especially when the fatigue sets in?

Yıldız: I don’t really like discussing my knee in front of the cameras. It was a minor problem, but it is fine now.

Reporter: I obviously love getting new kits right away for next season. Two delicate matches are coming up which will be fundamental for Juventus to be in the Champions League.

Yıldız: I’m ready for them. There’s a bit of pressure with all the people outside, but we’re calm. They’re two important games, and we’ll do our job with our coach.

Reporter: We’re getting to the end of the season, it’s been an intense year; not just physically, but mentally as well. Let me ask you: how are you doing, how do you feel, and what messages has Spalletti given you these days?

Yıldız: Of course, it is been a very long season, a tough one too, but it is not over yet. That’s why we keep pushing hard. The coach is always with us, always straight with us, always giving 100%, even today. That’s the maximum you can ask for.

Reporter: You’ve scored 19 goals in Serie A with Juventus, right? You’re one away from reaching 20. Have you thought about that number? It’s a nice milestone and also because you have never scored against Fiorentina.

Yıldız: I didn’t know that, sorry, I really didn’t know. But yes, it would be a nice goal.

Reporter: Listen, Kenan, everyone has always talked about the Champions League as the objective. At one point you were behind and things were looking bad. It’s true that there’s still an objective to reach, but now even second place has become close, and that would give a completely different look to this season. Is that an objective?

Yıldız: The objective is always the maximum. And right now, the maximum is second place. We’ll try for the second place and for the Champions League.

Reporter: You’re signing autographs for the fans. You’re obviously a symbol of this Juve now; the Number 10, launching the new kit. Do you feel this is a Juventus more and more at your level, one where you can give your best and be the leader?

Yıldız: Yes, of course. Seeing all these people here for me and for the other players is a great sign. I always give my best for the fans, for the club. That’s the only thing I can do.

Reporter: The other day, John Elkann spoke to the fans and mentioned two or three people when talking about the future. Yours and Spalletti’s name were among them. Do you feel more and more like the future of this Juventus? A Juventus that can fight for the top sooner or later?

Yıldız: Of course. Juve is in my heart. I thank him for saying those things, but like I said before, the only thing I can do is always give my maximum for myself, for the team, and for Juventus, which is in my heart.

Reporter: Did you tell Vlahović that he has to stay?

Yıldız: Yes, but that’s not something I can decide.

Juventus introduced the Juventus Home Jersey 26/27, available now.