Dybala’s contract situation nothing to do with me – Pirlo

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Andrea Pirlo says Paulo Dybala’s current contract situation is between the player and the club.

Due to injury, a positive coronavirus test, and an overall lack of form, Dybala hasn’t played much for new head coach Pirlo in the 2020/21 campaign, having started just five games out of a possible 12 in Serie A so far this season.

Sometimes Pirlo doesn’t even bring Dybala off the bench, which happened last month causing an argument between the player and a club official in the tunnel.

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He did start and play 83 minutes in the weekend game against Genoa – a game in which he got on the scoresheet to help the Bianconeri to a 3-1 win.

However, on Wednesday he was back on the bench in the crunch game against Atalanta, and was only given a six-minute cameo off the bench.

All the uncertainty within his role in the squad has catalysed speculation that he could be set for a transfer away from Juventus.

FootballTransfers recently reported that both Juventus and Man Utd were considering a swap deal involving Dybala and Paul Pogba.

There were developments this week to the contrary when it was reported that Dybala was actually going to be offered a bumper new deal to remain at the club, though nothing has been agreed yet.

Following Juve’s 1-1 draw with Atalanta on Wednesday, Pirlo was asked about the situation, but brushed off the responsibility of providing an update, saying:

“Dybala’s contract? I have nothing to do with it.. It’s an issue between the player and the management.”

Juventus have struggled to assert their authority over the Italian top flight so far this season, with them currently sitting fourth in the table with 24 points taken from 12 matches.