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Exclusive interview with Matthijs Pog: “I believe that Di Maria will renew his contract, even without the Champions League”

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Since Juventus were handed their fifteen-point deduction within January,  a great deal of uncertainty and wariness lies within the Bianconeri camp. As it stands, Allegri’s squad currently find themselves in seventh with 35 points, 12 points away from fourth-placed Roma.

With the Old Lady far from the top four, many significant players are beginning to question their futures at the club beyond this year’s current campaign in the case that Juventus fail to qualify for the Champions League.

In addition, it remains to be seen how the grave point-deduction will impact Juventus’ financial situation and their ability to bolster their squad within the summer transfer window ahead of next season.

With the Bianconeri starring the headlines across many Italian news outlets, The Footitalia team had Juventus superfan Matthijs Pog breakdown the situation at the club and provide his insight in an exclusive interview:

While there was a lot of tension between Angel Di Maria and Juventus throughout the first half of the campaign, it seems that the Argentine has experienced a change of heart as he is now in superb form. Is Di Maria open to extending with Juventus beyond this season?

“I believe that Di Maria will renew his contract, even without the Champions League. I see him very happy in Turin and the family is happy here. He is a very important player, the club knows it.”

With Juventus lacking a significant amount of depth within the defensive department, they are in deep search for defenders to bolster their squad ahead of next season. Which defenders have they listed as their primary targets in acquiring?

“To date, I believe that the club is weighing more on the off-field situation than on the transfer market. Their primary objective is to defend themselves from all accusations, then the market will come. But one name I can give you with certainty is Fabiano Parisi, I’ve been following Juve for some time.”
With Adrien Rabiot potentially leaving Juventus after this season when his contract expires and with the Bianconeri unlikely making Leandro Paredes’ loan a permanent deal, there is a potential void within the midfield going into next year. Have Juventus identified key alternative signings within the midfield?
“As I said before, Juventus are currently thinking about how to defend themselves. We don’t know what will happen to the club so the market will also depend on this. Champions League qualification is important for signing important players as well.”
With Paul Pogba having been forced on the sidelines for more than half the season since returning to Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United over the summer, is there any concern from the club that Pogba will not be able to feature as a key factor within the squad?
“Juventus count on having Paul at 70% for this season finale, he can make the difference even if he’s not at his best. We will see the real Pogba next season.”

Julian Faustini

21 years old, football writer for Footitalia. Calcio is my life and passion.