TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus shakes hands with Luis Suarez of Sporting CP as match referee, Daniel Siebert looks on following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Pierre Kalulu hits back at criticism after Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Sporting CP in the Champions League. ‘I expected a reaction, perhaps there is more nastiness when you evaluate.’
The Bianconeri made their debut under new coach Luciano Spalletti on Saturday, having sacked Igor Tudor only eight days ago, but were unable to keep the winning run going after the 2-1 over Cremonese in Serie A.
Sporting had taken the early lead in Turin with Maximiliano Araujo’s angled drive, then they rattled the woodwork moments later, until Juve came out of their shells to equalise with Dusan Vlahovic.
Kalulu not surprised by Juventus fightback
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Players of Juventus pose for a photo prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
“We wanted a victory today, because we needed the result,” Kalulu told Sky Sport Italia.
“We had lots of chances, more than Sporting, even if they are a team who move the ball around well. It’s a pity. This is a Champions League game, it’s difficult to dominate for an entire match, but we can build on this for the next matches.”
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Juventus 1-1 Sporting CP
When Kalulu was asked if he was impressed that Juventus fought back so hard in the second half and repeatedly threatened a late winner, he seemed irritated by the implication.
“I was not surprised by my team, because there are many games where we conceded first and reacted. I expected this from my teammates, perhaps in your eyes there is more nastiness when evaluating, but I have faith in my teammates,” said the former Milan defender.
“We are working well and keep going.”
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Juventus have only three points from their first four Champions League matches, and a goal difference of -1, so by the end of tomorrow’s games could find themselves in the elimination places.
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