Juventus Brave RAMS Park as McKennie Pledges All-Out Effort Ahead of Galatasaray Clash

Juventus travel to Istanbul for the UEFA Champions League play-off first leg against Galatasaray, with the match set for 12: 45 PM ET tomorrow at RAMS Park. Midfielder Weston McKennie spoke at the stadium on the eve of the game, underlining Juventus’ appetite for victory and stressing his willingness to do whatever the team requires.

McKennie: "I'll do whatever the coach asks"

McKennie struck a combative tone in his media availability, insisting Juventus treat every match with maximum focus and ambition. "We care about every one of these games. We always want to be the winning team. I want to win this match, " he said. He added a colorful promise about his own versatility: "If the coach tells me to be goalkeeper, I’ll be goalkeeper. I’ll do whatever role they give me for the team. "

The American midfielder also addressed recent turbulence for the club, referencing the incidents that unfolded in Serie A in the past week but declining to dwell on them. "It was a bit difficult. These challenges don't happen all the time. We are here now and I'm trying to focus as much as possible on tomorrow's match. I want to leave those things behind and look forward. We came here to give our best. "

McKennie pointed to his familiarity with the stadium and the intensity of the crowd, noting he had played at the ground years ago and knows what to expect. He mentioned younger teammate Kenan Yıldız, calling him important and hoping Yıldız's presence might temper any hostility from the stands: "I know the atmosphere and the fans. Kenan is important for us. Hopefully thanks to him they won't boo us too much tomorrow evening. "

Spalletti frames the tactical battle — Osimhen and Icardi in focus

Juventus head coach framed the contest as a heavyweight tactical test, with Galatasaray's attacking duo central to his game plan. He described the pair as complementary, saying one of them creates chaos while the other exploits it — a pairing he characterized as almost encyclopedic in their striking profiles. The plan is clear: try to keep Galatasaray away from their most dangerous areas and prevent those two from operating freely.

The visiting coach stressed mentality as much as tactics, warning his team not to approach the match with fear and expressing a desire to sustain play in the opponent's half where possible. He described RAMS Park's lights and atmosphere as revealing of character, suggesting that mindset will be decisive.

Juventus' announced starting lineup for the fixture features Di Gregorio in goal behind a backline of Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso and Kalulu; Locatelli and Koopmeiners in midfield with Conceição supplying width; and an attack comprising Kenan Yıldız, Thuram and McKennie. That selection hints at a balance between experience and young talent, with Kenan's role attracting particular attention given his links to the home side earlier in his career.

Key matchups and what to watch

This tie will hinge on transitional moments. Galatasaray's speed on the break and combinations through their forwards will test Juventus' defensive cohesion, while Juventus will look to control midfield tempo and exploit set-piece chances. Watch for how Juventus adapts to RAMS Park's atmosphere and whether McKennie's declared versatility is used tactically.

For Galatasaray, containing Juventus' central thrusts and disrupting the visitors' midfield rhythm will be vital. The battle in midfield could decide possession patterns and who earns the crucial chances in and around the box.

Kickoff is 12: 45 PM ET tomorrow at RAMS Park, with both sides eager to take an advantage into the return leg. Juventus arrive promising focus and flexibility; Galatasaray will lean on home energy and attacking potency. Expect a tight, high-stakes opening chapter to this Champions League play-off pairing.