r/KenanYildiz

During the press conference before Verona match, when one of the reporters during the press conference, noting how unusual it was for such a young player to describe his relationship with his coach as “fantastic,” asked whether the coach had experienced a similar bond with other young players in his career and what he valued most in Yıldız on a human and character level beyond technical qualities, he said:

“It has happened because my job depends on these kinds of connections professionally. On a personal level, it is only about these connections. I like building a relationship with my players, sharing ideas, explaining certain things and seeing that we can take the best of what is needed for the good of the club, the good of the team, the good of our fans, the good of everyone who loves this sport. There are people with whom it becomes easier because they have human qualities, a sense of team, a sense of friendship, a sense of love, a sense of wanting to share the entire professional journey. And he is one of those. He is one of those who has the sun stamped on his face in terms of his reactions. Even when he has not been going through a favorable moment, he always has this positive, willing expression, this desire to transmit what it means to be a happy, positive person. And that is how he is right now, but he is already projected into the future. He transforms the moment he is in and improves it with his way of being. I have had the good fortune of meeting his family, a wonderful family, and you can see the qualities he has through his family. He has everything. His teammates adore him because of the way he relates to people. If you see him leaving the training ground, he is one of those who stops the most. Sometimes, because of schedules or commitments, someone might not stop but he is one of the ones who consistently does. On Saturdays, when we arrive at the hotel and the fans are waiting, he does everything: photos, autographs, whatever is asked. And he is happy to do it. He does it without any hint of boredom. He is thrilled, just like everyone else is. Of course, there are timings to respect, but he is already a champion who makes me feel lucky to coach him.”

Another reporter, pointing out Yıldız’s toughness in playing through a long‑standing issue and recalling an episode in which Yıldız insisted he was available despite doubts, asked whether the recent management of the player was due to a worsening of the problem or simply a natural concern about avoiding injury with the World Cup approaching. Spalletti replied:

“No, it is something that is being evaluated in a complete and correct way, especially with regard to the boy’s health. We know and he knows how important he is for us. We know that he wants to be available and we want him to be available. However, he had this small inflammation that can get worse or can get better, so it’s a matter of managing it even though in these last training sessions, including today’s and yesterday’s, he did very well. He doesn’t feel any pain, and we have no doubts about his presence in the match.”

Yıldız in the New 26/27 Juventus Home Jersey