Emre Can not happy, but hopeful for Juventus future

Juventus and Emre Can’s estranged relationship continues to chug along, for now. Like two people stuck in a marriage of convenience, going through the motions from day-to-day while knowing that their future’s lie in separate, diverging paths.

While the Germany international seems to have rebounded from the comments he made earlier this season when the shock of being dropped from the Champions League squad was still raw, he remains disappointed with what’s going on regarding playing time at the Italian champions.

The 25-year-old has only played 78 minutes this season, over three games coming on as a late substitute each time. In fact, he likely only came on in this weekend’s top-of-the-table clash against Inter Milan because Aaron Ramsey suffered a rumoured ‘twinge’ during warmups.

Can featured for Germany yesterday, winning his 23rd international cap in a 2-2 draw against Argentina. The midfielder was unfortunate to be involved in the Argentine’s late equalizer, with the ball deflecting off him to set up the second goal.

Speaking after the game, Can spoke of his situation at Juve -

“I’m not happy [at Juve] right now. I’m not playing much at the moment.

“I played a lot last season, especially in important matches, for Juventus, and I also played well.

“I haven’t had a chance this season but now I think that, when I return to the club, I’ll have a shot at playing again.

“I’m definitely grateful to Joachim Low because I hadn’t played much and he still called me up.

“That’s why I was simply happy to have played again.”

Maurizio Sarri doesn’t necessarily see a role for Can at the moment with the glut of midfielders available at his disposal, but should injuries again rear their ugly head there might be another chance for the German player.