Pierre Kalulu addressed the media after Juventus sealed their place in the quarter-finals with a 2–0 victory over Udinese. The Bianconeri advanced thanks to Palma’s own goal and a penalty from Manuel Locatelli, maintaining their positive momentum under Luciano Spalletti.
The French defender spoke openly about the team’s progress, the growing sense of calm within the side, and the influence of their manager’s demanding standards.
Finding Confidence Through Possession
“The coach always asks us to win the ball back high up the pitch and avoid misplaced passes,” Kalulu explained. “Right now, we’re completing so many accurate passes, and that helps us build confidence and make life difficult for our opponents. Today, we had fun out there — we’re improving.”
His words reflected the team’s growing assurance on the ball, a hallmark of Spalletti’s approach that prioritises control and precise decision-making.
A Win That Builds Belief
For Kalulu, victories like this serve as vital stepping stones as Juventus chase success on multiple fronts.
“This match was important to progress to the next round,” he said. “The upcoming ones will be different, but this win gives you confidence. It’s always nice to win, and now we approach the next games with more awareness and belief.”
Spalletti’s Demanding Mentality
Kalulu also highlighted the impact of Luciano Spalletti’s arrival, praising the coach’s elite mindset and influence on the dressing room.
“The coach came in with his own footballing philosophy, and we just want to perform well on the pitch,” Kalulu noted. “He has high standards and that’s positive for the whole club. He has a winning approach — he wants us to play with strength and enjoy ourselves.”
Tactical Flexibility at the Back
When asked about Juventus’ changing defensive shapes, Kalulu emphasised the importance of adaptability.
“Sometimes we switch between different systems,” he said. “On the pitch there are many players who can move in various positions, so whether it’s a back four or a back three, we can change at any moment.”
