Kalulu: ‘Juventus hope Spalletti stays, no apology from Bastoni’
Pierre Kalulu hopes Luciano Spalletti stays at Juventus, and reveals he ‘has not spoken’ to Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni after that controversial red card incident.
The Bianconeri are in action with a showdown against Roma for fourth place on Sunday evening, but are also taking to the field for the first time since their Champions League play-off exit to Galatasaray.
“It is an important week for us, and obviously Wednesday left us with a mix of emotions,” said Kalulu in his press conference.
Although they managed to neutralise the first leg 5-2 defeat despite being down to 10 men for the controversial Lloyd Kelly red card, the Old Lady eventually capitulated in extra time.
“We are both disappointed with the final result, but reflecting on the situation, also feel proud of what we showed on the pitch.”
Kalulu sees Juventus crossroads
Already out of the Coppa Italia, the only target for Juventus now is fighting to qualify for the Champions League with a top four Serie A finish, so going head-to-head with Roma is a potential turning point for the whole season.
“We are well aware this is an important game for us, but we also know there will be another 11 matches after this. Obviously, as a head-to-head clash, the points are worth more,” continued Kalulu.
“We believe in ourselves and if we do our duty, then it will go well.”
There is certainly more confidence in the Juve camp after the second leg performance against Galatasaray, and the players seem to believe they are on the right track with Spalletti.
“Contracts are up to the club. All I can say is that we feel good and have clear ideas, we like the way we play, so we’d be very happy if he was to stay.”
This is Kalulu’s return to the field in Serie A, as he was suspended for the 2-0 defeat to Como, adding insult to injury after everyone agreed he should not have been sent off against Inter.
Even Bastoni publicly apologised for his simulation on that second yellow card, but did he apologise directly to the player?
“No, we have not spoken,” revealed Kalulu.
“If we had won even with my red card, I would’ve been disappointed still, but with less of a sense of bitterness. The team always comes first before the individual, and what really hurts is that it all happened together.
“I hope that I will have success in future that helps me forget this incident. I don’t expect anything from Bastoni, it’s not like we talked much before either, so the next time will be in about six months, I expect.”
That incident has prompted IFAB to propose a change to the VAR protocol, so it can intervene on a second yellow card.
“Any rule that can help football in general is always welcome.”