Juventus want to put the defeat to Sassuolo behind them as quickly as possible ahead of the start of their Europa League campaign and show a reaction in front of their supporters. Ahead of the clash with NEC Nijmegen, Pierre Kalulu joined Luciano Spalletti at the press conference and spoke about the team's current situation, their European ambitions and several teammates who are expected to play important roles during the rest of the season.
The French defender made it clear that Juventus cannot live in the past. Instead, they must learn from their mistakes and focus entirely on what comes next.
KALULU: "ONLY THE FUTURE MATTERS"
The defeat to Sassuolo left a bitter taste, but Kalulu believes Juventus must now look exclusively ahead.
The Frenchman confirmed that the team analysed what happened and tried to identify the mistakes that cannot be repeated.
"Our focus is always on the next match. You can't change the past, only the future matters. We've reviewed the mistakes we made and we know we have to learn from them."
For Juventus, the match against NEC represents the first opportunity to show that they have learned from the defeat and are ready to respond.
"IT WOULD BE WRONG TO THINK THE EUROPA LEAGUE IS EASIER"
Juventus return to the Europa League this season, a competition in which the Bianconeri will have major ambitions.
However, Kalulu warned that the European journey will not be straightforward and that nobody in the squad can underestimate the level of their opponents.
"It would be wrong to think it's easier to achieve success in the Europa League. We'll face strong teams. This is the path we're on and we have to embrace it fully."
The French defender's message is clear: the Juventus name alone will not be enough to win matches in Europe.
KALULU BACKS KOLO MUANI: "I HAVE NO DOUBTS"
One particularly interesting part of the press conference concerned Randal Kolo Muani, who is still searching for his best goalscoring form.
Kalulu knows his compatriot well and has no doubt that the goals will come.
"I know Randal well and I know he's working hard. Right now, the goals aren't coming for him, but when they do, he'll be a huge help to the team. I have no doubts about the season he'll have."
It was a strong public show of support for the striker at a time when Spalletti is considering different solutions in attack.
Kolo Muani has yet to produce the desired return in front of goal, but Kalulu believes it is only a matter of time before the situation changes.
KALULU ALSO BELIEVES IN KOOPMEINERS
Kalulu also spoke about Teun Koopmeiners, another player from whom Juventus expect a great deal.
The French defender revealed what the Dutchman is like inside the dressing room, while also highlighting his qualities on the pitch.
"Koopmeiners is someone you can talk and joke with. He's very calm and works extremely hard. On the pitch, he has physical and technical qualities, as well as a left foot that allows him to play excellent passes. He'll give his best for us again this season."
It is clear that there is a great deal of faith in Koopmeiners at Juventus, despite the periods in which he has struggled to show the full extent of his ability.
ZHEGROVA AND CONCEIÇÃO? "THEY HAVE DIFFERENT QUALITIES"
Kalulu also spoke about Edon Zhegrova and Francisco Conceição, two highly attacking players he can link up with on the right side of the pitch.
"Zhegrova and Conceição are both very good going forward and have different qualities. I adapt to their characteristics and the way they develop attacking moves."
For Kalulu, this also means taking on different responsibilities depending on who is playing ahead of him, but the Frenchman believes he can adapt to the characteristics of both players.
KALULU STILL SEES ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The Frenchman also discussed his own ambitions during the press conference. He does not want to publicly reveal the specific goals he has set for himself, but made it clear that he believes he is still some way from reaching his full potential.
"I have personal goals that I'm keeping to myself for now. I always want to improve and I'm still a long way from reaching my limit."
However, those ambitions do not concern him alone.
"As a team, we want to take another step forward compared to last season."
The Europa League will be one of the major tests of just how ready this new Juventus side is to take that next step forward.
PREDICT THE SCORE – JUVENTUS vs NEC
