Bundesliga
Weston McKennie: "I'm fired up for next season!"
Having commited his long-term future to Schalke, Weston McKennie is "fired up" for the 2019/20 campaign as he looks to play his part in getting the Royal Blues back on track.
Last season was defined by disappointment for Schalke, but not midfield ace McKennie who, with the exception of a stunning Revierderby win over Borussia Dortmund, was the highlight of an otherwise forgettable campaign.
As a result, the club moved quickly to tie McKennie down with the American signing a two-year extension in June. "The club approached me and I was immediately taken by the idea," McKennie told Schalke’s official website. "My initial contract ran until 30 June 2022. It was not a difficult decision for me. I owe a lot to the club, I turned pro and I feel really happy here."
While Gelsenkirchen was gripped with a summer of change, McKennie had the small matter of representing the US Men’s National Team at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup to take care of before his attention could turn back to domestic duties.
Much like in Schalke’s 2018/19 campaign, though, McKennie’s emergence on the international stage was tinged with disappointment as the USMNT lost to Mexico in the final - a game in which he had the "great honour" of captaining his nation.
"On the one hand, we can be proud of ourselves," said the 20-year-old. "We came to the tournament with a young team and played a lot of great matches. But as an athlete, you always want to win."
That’s something Schalke will be hoping to do more often in the coming season and, having joined up with the team at the Mittersill training camp following an extended break, McKennie is ready to play his part.
"I’m feeling good, but I’m not fully fit yet, but that is totally normal after a long break," he admitted. "Our coaching staff are working very hard with me and have created a special program to get me to 100 per cent as quickly as possible. I want to help the team and I'm fired up for the season."
The 14-time USA international hasn’t had as much time as his teammates to impress new head coach David Wagner, but he drew praise from the 47-year-old for his performances in the Gold Cup.
"We have spoken several times," said McKennie. "He is a good guy and suits Schalke. I’m looking forward to working with him."
Under Wagner’s predecessor, McKennie was utilised as an out-and-out utility man, plugging the holes wherever Schalke needed him. Having minored in every class though, it’s time for McKennie to pick a major if the Royal Blues want to see him reach his full potential.
Watch: Weston McKennie on his versatility
"I have shown in the past that I can play in almost any position - the only thing I can’t do is play in goal (laughs)," joked the rising star. "I believe that I can show my abilities best as a holding or central midfielder. When I’m in the middle, I can see the game from all angles."
After ending a patchy pre-season with back-to-back wins over Alanyaspor and Villarreal in Austria, Schalke are now gearing up for their first competitive fixture of the season, a DFB Pokal first-round tie with Drochtersen/Assel.
The Royal Blues will be starting as they mean to go on, according to McKennie: "We need to give 100 per cent in every game whether the opposition are a top team from the Bundesliga or a team from a regional league."