Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu has urged Lautaro Martinez to “smile more” ahead of tomorrow’s match against Kairat Almaty.
In a press conference via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old spoke about El Toro’s recent dip in form.
Lautaro Martinez has not scored in four consecutive Serie A games since Inter’s 4-1 win over Cremonese in early October.
Furthermore, the 28-year-old has scored just three goals in his first 10 league games this season.
However, he was virtually unable to play in the Champions League.
In fact, the Argentine megastar has scored three times in European matches this season.
He is therefore Inter’s top scorer in Europe’s top table.
Despite Lautaro’s stellar form on the continent, he could start on the bench for tomorrow’s match.
Instead, manager Cristian Chivu is considering using Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Joan Bony in the attack.
Meanwhile, the San Siro Giants have star striker Marcus Thuram back after a long spell on the sidelines.
Cristian Chivu sends message to Lautaro Martinez ahead of Inter Milan vs. Kairat Almaty
“All our forwards are available tomorrow,” Chivu said. “I’ve never thought about resting anyone for the next game.
“I take things one game at a time. All 22 players can be what we call ‘starters’,” he added.
“But for me, the 4-5 players who come later are equally important, because they can change the course of the game, like in Verona, where three substitutions brought more energy.
“That doesn’t mean the players on the pitch didn’t perform well, but at that moment we needed to make certain choices to inject new energy.
“As for Lautaro, there is no need to file any lawsuits, there is no problem for me, it is enough to see how he performs.
“If the striker doesn’t score, the midfielder or the defender will score.
“It seems to me that we are the team that has scored the most goals of all the teams, even if some people bring up the goals we conceded.
“Sometimes I would rather win 4-3 than 1-0.”
Chivu gives verdict on match time for De Vrij and Acerbi
Asked about the veteran’s limited playing time, Chivu replied: “For me there is no theory. There is only what happens on the pitch.”
“I have six players, including Matteo Darmian and the gentleman on my left, who can also perform well in their roles.
“Maybe if you put him in a central or right-sided defender, he might struggle a little bit.
“But for everyone else, going from the right to the center doesn’t change anything.
“The three-man defense is simple because they are great players who are great on the ball, tall, strong physically and good in the air.”
“Some people are faster than others and that influences my choices, but every decision I make is for the benefit of the team.”
Finally, he delivered his verdict on the tragic car accident involving Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez.
“I talked about him with your colleagues before the last game.
“It is important for us to integrate him into the group and lean on him, because he is going through a very difficult time and that is something I would not wish on anyone.
“This is a more delicate situation than some people think.
“We are awaiting the results of the investigation, but it appears he is not guilty.
“Still, the loss of life weighs heavily on one’s conscience.
“It’s up to us to be there for him and support him, and it’s up to us to help him understand that this is life.
“You have to get through certain moments, even if it’s not easy.”
