Kenan Yildiz: ‘I hope I helped Juventus a little’

Kenan Yildiz admits he ‘didn’t know’ that he wouldn’t start for Juventus against Bodo/Glimt, but won’t take credit for their first Champions League win. ‘I’m glad I helped a little.’

The Turkish talent was initially on the bench in Norway, as part of massive squad rotation from coach Luciano Spalletti.

With the Bianconeri trailing 1-0, he came on at half-time and transformed the game, inspiring them to a 3-2 victory with goals from Lois Openda, Weston McKennie and Jonathan David.

“I didn’t know before the game that I wouldn’t play, this was the decision of the coach. I wanted to just do my best when I came on and help the team,” Yildiz told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am not concentrated on goals or assists, I am here to help the team, and I’m glad I helped a little tonight.”

Yildiz had also created a goal for Fabio Miretti to tap in, but it was disallowed over the earlier Openda offside position.

“I thought it was my best move of the game and it would’ve been lovely for him to score too. The icing on the cake.”

This was the first victory of the season in the Champions League for Juventus, who had only managed three draws and a defeat to Real Madrid.

It also allowed Spalletti to terminate his run of three consecutive stalemates in all competition, getting them back on track.