Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has hit back at his critics ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Atletico Madrid.
During the pre-match press conference with FCInterNews, El Toro praised Inter’s upcoming Champions League rivals.
AC Milan beat Inter 1-0 on Sunday night, but Lautaro Martínez failed to score in another high-stakes Serie A game.
In fact, the 28-year-old has lost all four league games against Inter’s direct title rivals.
Although his domestic performance wasn’t overwhelming, the Argentine superstar was a formidable presence in the Champions League.
By the way, he has scored four goals in just three league games this season.
This is the same number of goals he scored in 12 Serie A appearances under manager Cristian Chivu.
As such, the Nerazzurri captain has recently come under intense scrutiny for his inability to make a difference when it matters most.
However, the former Racing club centre-forward does not like to succumb to pressure.
Lautaro Martinez responds to critics ahead of Atletico Madrid vs. Inter Milan
After being criticized for failing in the Champions League, El Toro turned their fortunes around.
In fact, he became the club’s all-time top scorer in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
When asked what changed, Lautaro replied: “Nothing. That’s what people say.
“Before, people used to say that I didn’t score goals in the Champions League, but now it’s the opposite.
“I always try my best to make my fans happy, and I’m okay with that.
“I’m sure this team is in good shape and has a lot of strength.
“Tomorrow we have a very important game after Sunday.
“But we are ready and we will try to bring points to Italy, because it is very important for us.”
Meanwhile, Lautaro will face several national team-mates on Wednesday, including Julian Alvarez.
“That fight is in the past. I have a very good relationship with him and we are friends.
“I am delighted with how he will help the club and the national team.
“We talked a lot between us because there are always a lot of Atlético players in Argentina.
“We always talk a lot when we meet, but tomorrow we will all be protecting our shirts.
“We always meet up and talk after the game, but for 90 minutes we’re rivals.”
Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez praises Atletico Madrid
“Certainly, Atlético are a very strong opponent in a heated stadium,” admitted Lautaro. “It’s going to be a great match.
“We played against each other two years ago, so we know what’s going to happen.
“For us it was an important game after Sunday and we deserved something more, but we will move on.
“We have studied them well, but we want to see what we have to do on the pitch and execute well what we have prepared for.”
“It’s going to be important, these are special games for forwards.
“But like I always say, I always try to do the best for my teammates and the team.
“For sure, Atlético are a very important team.
“Tomorrow they will have their men behind them and we will be playing against a very strong opponent.”
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez reflects on the Milan derby
Speaking to Sky Sports via FCInterNews, Lautaro revealed his thoughts after the Milan derby.
“After the match there was quite a sour taste,” Lautaro admitted. “It’s a shame because we should have deserved more.
“It hurt, but the group knew we had a great performance.
“Now we are turning the page and thinking about tomorrow’s game, but it will be a difficult game.
“We’re missing something a little bit, but we haven’t found it yet.
“This sometimes worries us a little bit because the performance is always there and the team overcomes difficult moments.
“You have to pay attention to the details that make the difference.”
But he expects the Nerazzurri to bounce back at the Metropolitano Stadium.
“Tomorrow will be very important for us so we are very motivated.
“We bounced back from the derby defeat.
“Even though we conceded the lead, we still need to get three more points because the remaining three games are going to be tough.
“We recovered in one day and prepared for the game. We know them and their coaches.
“And we are ready to play against strong teams, but we will try to use our own weapons and make things difficult for them.”
