Kalulu ‘turned off the phone’ amid Bastoni controversy, but Juventus not seeking ‘excuses’ | OneFootball

Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu reveals he ‘turned off the phone’ after receiving a red card against Inter, but that defeat did not affect the Old Lady in the following match against Galatasaray: ‘It would look like we are looking for excuses…’

Juventus defender Kalulu reveals he turned off his phone after a 3-2 loss to Inter two weeks ago to avoid further controversy.

The Frenchman received a second yellow card and was sent off for a foul on Alessandro Bastoni, but replays showed that the Inter star had gone down too easily, prompting the red card for his opponent.

Kalulu: ‘I turned off the phone’ after red card vs. Inter

SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus celebrates his team’s first goal, an own goal scored by Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I turned off the phone so as not to fuel controversy,” Kalulu told L’Equipe.

“Many spoke about it, but in the end, the ban was confirmed. It was better to leave everything behind, but I don’t think it affected the game against Galatasaray. It would look like we are looking for excuses, but we just had a bad game.”

Following their 3-2 loss against Inter, Juventus lost 5-2 in the Champions League knockout play-off against Galatasaray and then again 2-0 against Como in Serie A.

Kalulu, however, has been one of Juventus’ most consistent players this season, having already made 36 appearances.

“I want to continue like this. Only the pitch gives you credibility in front of your teammates,” he said.

PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Arena Garibaldi on December 27, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“Opponents must be studied so they are pushed to do things they are not accustomed to. You have to know how to anticipate them by two or three moves, a bit like in chess. The goal is to be the best, not just to defend well.

“The national team is the ultimate level for a player,” Kalulu concluded.

“It’s a childhood dream and a privilege. I feel ready for the World Cup.”

A former Milan and Lyon defender, Kalulu is under contract with Juventus until June 2029.