Maurizio Sarri believes he has no say in Paulo Dybala's future at Juventus but acknowledged he had some awkward decisions ahead of the Serie A's side bid to win the Uefa Champions League for the first time in 24 years.
Juventus were beaten 2-1 by Atletico Madrid in their latest pre-season friendly in Stockholm on Saturday.
Argentine forward Dybala, who held unsuccessful transfer talks with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, played the last 30 minutes of the clash in Sweden.
Sarri, who replaced Massimiliano Allegri as manager in the summer after leaving Chelsea, was open in admitting he was unsure whether the 25 year old would be part of his plans.
"I can talk about Paulo all I like, but the market goes in a certain way and then whatever I say counts for nothing," Sarri told reporters.
"I think he has the right characteristics to play as a false centre forward."
Sarri though is concerned that Juventus have too many players in their squad and they need to lose some personnel to avoid some awkward snubs when they name their 25-man squad for the Champions League.
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Atletico Madrid 2 Juventus 1 in pictures
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Joao Felix celebrates the first of his two goals against Juventus. AFP -
It was a frustrating night for Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo. AFP -
Ronaldo looks to get a cross in. AP Photo -
Ronaldo wins an aerial tussle with Kieran Trippier. AP -
Juventus' defender Matthijs De Ligt vies with Atletico Madrid's forward Joao Felix. AFP -
Juventus Paulo Dybala, right, stretches for the ball. AP Photo -
Juventus' goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon gestures to his teammates. AFP -
Ronaldo reacts after being substituted. AFP -
Atletico manager Diego Simeone on the touchline. AFP -
Maurizio Sarri looks to encourage his Juventus players. AFP -
The Juventus side that started the game in Stockholm. AFP -
Ronaldo looks to get past Trippier. AP Photo -
Juventus' defender Giorgio Chiellini reacts during the match in Sweden. AFP -
Juventus' midfielder Adrien Rabiot looks to make a break. AFP -
Atletico Madrid's forward Diego Costa wins a tussle. AFP -
Atletico Madrid's midfielder Lemar controls the ball. AFP -
Joao Felix finds the net for Atletico. AFP
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"We have to cut six players," the Italian said. "Our situation is difficult, almost embarrassing, because we run the risk of leaving out players of a really high level.
"It’s a situation we have to resolve and it is not just about the decisions made by coach or club."
