Following Inter Milan's unexpected 2-0 defeat to Fluminense in the Club World Cup round of 16, captain Lautaro Martínez has publicly criticized his teammates, sparking discussions about internal tensions within the squad. The loss, which dashed Inter's hopes for a title, has been described as a challenging start for new coach Cristian Chivu, who took over after Simone Inzaghi's departure.
Martínez's blunt assessment of the team's performance has made headlines. "Whoever wants to stay, stay; whoever does not want to stay should go," Martínez told DAZN after the match. He further expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "I have seen a lot of things that I didn't like. I want to win". These remarks followed an 11-month-long season where Inter finished as runners-up in both the Champions League and Serie A.
While Martínez did not initially name names, reports suggest his comments were aimed at midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who is rumored to be seeking a move to Galatasaray. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta reportedly confirmed that Martínez was referring to Calhanoglu. Calhanoglu's potential departure is a point of contention, as Inter is said to be unwilling to let him go without a suitable offer.
The loss to Fluminense exposed defensive vulnerabilities, with goals from German Cano and Hercules capitalizing on these mistakes. Despite efforts from Martínez and Federico Dimarco, who both hit the woodwork, Inter was unable to score. Martínez acknowledged the team's struggles, admitting, "We certainly were not in the match in the first half," and "We conceded a goal and gave the ball away far too many times". He also cited fatigue and missing players as contributing factors.
Martínez's strong words reflect his commitment to Inter Milan and his desire to maintain the club's competitive edge. He previously emphasized his dedication to the team, stating that he always gives everything for Inter. He has also expressed his ambition to "make history with this club and beat records".
The situation presents a challenge for Cristian Chivu, who now has to manage squad tensions alongside improving the team's performance. Inter Milan is reportedly planning a significant rebuild this summer, aiming to rejuvenate the squad with younger players. The club's management will need to navigate player departures and acquisitions carefully to ensure they maintain a strong and cohesive team.
Despite the recent setback, Inter Milan has had a successful season, securing the Scudetto in 2024-25 with five games to spare. Martínez, as captain, played a crucial role in this achievement. However, the Club World Cup exit has highlighted the need for improvement and unity within the team.
