Spalletti: Juventus right to react to Kalulu ‘injustices’, McKennie ‘useful’, David returns
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti feels the club was right to ask for a one-game ban for Pierre Kalulu to be revoked, confirms he won’t drop Weston McKennie, and says Jonathan David will be available against Como despite not having trained with the rest of the team in recent days.
- More from Spalletti’s press conference: I ‘can’t say’ how I handled three steps back, no doubt about Juventus future
Juventus prepare for a home Serie A match against Como on Saturday, following three defeats in their last four matches.
The Bianconeri suffered a 5-2 away loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday and are currently one point behind fourth-placed Roma in the Serie A table.
Juventus vs. Como – Spalletti’s pre-match press conference
“Sometimes, you can see things, you can feel them, but they still hit, even if it’s unfair,” Spalletti said at a pre-match press conference via Ilbianconero.com.
“You have to decide what to do with that fall. We have to make a correct and objective analysis, and we must use this pain like a rubber band that lifts you and propels you toward the next match.”
Juventus have asked FIGC President Gabriele Gravina to revoke a one-game ban for Pierre Kalulu, who received two debatable yellow cards against Inter on Sunday.
“It’s a necessary step because we are talking about two clear injustices that everyone was forced to acknowledge,” Spalletti said.
“In my opinion, the club did the right thing. Bremer won’t be available for the match. David has been called up, but hasn’t trained and doesn’t have the confidence to play the full game. However, he’ll travel with us, and then we’ll decide whether to play him from the start or bring him on later.”
Manuel Locatelli and McKennie are on a yellow card, so if they are booked tomorrow, they’ll miss next week’s crucial Serie A match against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
Spalletti, however, seems eager to start both players against Como tomorrow.
“Locatelli doesn’t seem to feel fatigue; he’s always very present, enthusiastic, and energetic, bringing a spirit to the team,” said the Bianconeri boss.
“It would be tough to do without McKennie, especially in certain roles. The club had done well to bring in Holm, but he got injured. Kalulu is suspended, and Bremer is injured, so we are a bit short of options. We don’t really have other right-backs or players who can cover the entire right flank, and McKennie is very useful to us there.”
Lois Openda was the only centre-forward available against Galatasaray on Tuesday, but still started on the bench, while fans and media have criticised goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio in recent weeks.
“Perhaps we made some wrong assessments, but the fundamental thing is that David links up with the team a bit better,” Spalletti said.
“If we lose our unity, we lose effectiveness and strength. We all have the same responsibility, so we continue with Di Gregorio.”
Juventus have a crucial week ahead, playing against Como and Roma in Serie A and Galatasaray in the Champions League. Is Spalletti aware that the Old Lady’s campaign could be determined in the next seven days?
“Certainly, we are aware of it, and I’m convinced the team will react,” he concluded.