Allegri worried about praise being heaped on Dybala

TURIN (Reuters) – Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri feels that too much praise is being heaped on Paulo Dybala and says the striker needs peace and quiet to fulfil his potential.

Dybala, 22, was signed from Palermo for around 40 million euros (£28 million) in the close-season as a replacement for his fellow Argentine Carlos Tevez.

He has already scored six Serie A goals despite having only been included irregularly in the starting lineup and supporters have already become frustrated at Allegri’s refusal to field him more often.

Allegri said on Tuesday said that he had still not decided whether he would choose Dybala or Mario Mandzukic, whose own form has been disappointing, for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Manchester City.

“I’m not worried about a media outcry if Dybala does not play, but what I am worried about is the amount of praise and compliments to a 22-year-old who is playing well but cannot carry all the responsibility for Juventus,” Allegri told reporters.

“Paulo needs to be left in peace so he can keep maturing and improving.”

Allegri also defended Mandzukic who has managed only two league goals and born the brunt of the criticism for Juve’s indifferent season so far.

“I’m convinced that by the end of the season, he will have scored his share of goals. He’s scored two already and they have been important ones, which shows that he is an important player,” said Allegri.

“We are going to need everyone over the course of the season.”

Juventus, second in Group D with eight points from four games, will qualify with a game to spare if they beat Manuel Pellegrini’s side, who have already made sure of their place in the knockout stage.

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(Writing by Brian Homewood in Berne; editing by Toby Davis)