Cristian Chivu assures that Inter have “never had any doubts” about Lautaro Martinez after his goals in the win over Pisa, and that there are no problems between them. “I hug him every day, just not in front of the camera.”
It was a tough game in Tuscany this afternoon, which was to be expected as Pisa were unbeaten in six league rounds, and had not conceded a goal at home in four games.
Finally
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With increasing pressure after the defeats to AC Milan and Atlético Madrid, it was only in the 69th minute that the deadlock was finally broken by a double from Lautaro Martinez, who took advantage of assists from Francesco Pio Esposito and Nicolò Barella.
“We did well to react and we recognized the difficulty of this match,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.
“Pisa were unbeaten in six games, and the last goal they conceded at home was in mid-September. We knew what risks we were going into, so we showed patience, organization and maturity.”
“There were moments where we could have done better, but we take the positive things with us that we did. This team proves every day that it wants to challenge itself and have a strong season.”
There had been criticism of Lautaro Martinez’s form in recent games, so the captain scoring two goals sent a strong signal.
“We know the importance of all our players, and especially our captain. There may be people outside who doubt him, but we never have, because we know how much he cares and how much he contributes to this team,” Chivu replied.
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Did substitutes Piotr Zielinski and Pio Esposito make the difference for Inter today?
“A coach is not better or worse based on certain substitutions, nor should he be judged solely on the result. We have quality in the whole squad, I have 22 excellent players at my disposal and they all belong at Inter.”
Chivu was also criticized for replacing Lautaro Martinez early in the games against Milan and Atlético Madrid, but now revealed that the Argentine had flu symptoms last week.
“A coach has to deal with a lot of things, and if he listens too much to what is said outside, he can lose his clarity. When doubts are formed about Lautaro in the media, it is blown up in an attempt to make headlines.”
“We know what he does and what he means to this team. He puts his heart and soul into this team, as do all the players.”
When Lautaro Martinez was substituted today, he went over to hug the coach on the sidelines.
“I hug him every morning, it’s just that it doesn’t happen in front of the camera,” Chivu shrugged.
“There is no ‘Big Brother’ filming our every move. I’m happy for him, because a striker lives for goals, but the whole team did well today.”
The result puts Inter back on track in the battle for the Scudetto, especially as Roma and Napoli meet tonight, so at least one of the teams will inevitably lose points.
Its supporters seem to support Chivu, although some in the media do not.
“I know who I am and what I can contribute to this team. I put effort and passion into this work, for an important club like Inter. I have done something good for this club over the years and to be their coach makes me honoured.”
“I am aware of the responsibility to a club that believed in me, and to the fans who have such passion. And to these amazing guys, who do everything to honor the nerazzurri colors,”
