Lautaro Martinez expressed strong admiration for coach Cristian Chivu, humorously noting the manager’s affectionate approach and emphasizing the positive impact of his player-friendly philosophy on the team.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has spoken highly of his current coach, Cristian Chivu, suggesting the manager’s approach has been vital for his performance and the team’s spirit.
According to a report from Football Italia, Martinez’s comments came after he responded to recent criticism—following early substitutions in defeats to AC Milan and Atletico Madrid—by scoring two goals in a necessary victory away to Pisa.
Speaking on Sky Sport Italia while attending the Gran Gala del Calcio awards ceremony, Martinez insisted there was a “great rapport” with Chivu, saying: “It’s great, we talk every day, he always gives us hugs, maybe even too many.”
He then joked: “I get more hugs from him than from my wife, but that is his way of doing things. It’s pleasing, because he experienced what it was like to be a player in that dressing room, he understands all of it.”
The striker explained the tactical and psychological benefit of the coach, noting: “We needed a coach like him, as he gives us freedom, confidence, tells us that we’ve got to put all our quality onto the pitch.”
Martinez stated that Chivu is similar to the previous manager, Simone Inzaghi, in that “they both want us to play good football,” but noted that “With Cristian, we press higher, try to recover the ball straight away.”
Despite the team already suffering four defeats between Serie A and the Champions League, Martinez stressed that the “group is first and foremost” in finding “fresh energy and try[ing] to win trophies.”