Lautaro Martinez seemed to send a clear message to Inter teammate Hakan Calhanoglu after the Club World Cup exit to Fluminense. ‘Anyone who doesn’t want to be here should leave.’
The captain was frustrated following the surprise exit in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Round of 16 stage of the tournament.
They were beaten 2-0 by the Brazilians, with defensive mix-ups proving decisive on German Cano and Hercules goals, plus Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco hitting the woodwork.
“We certainly were not in the match in the first half, we conceded a goal and gave the ball away far too many times,” the Argentine told Sport Mediaset.
“Fluminense defended deep and well, trying to go on the counter-attack. We did better in the second half, we gave our all. It was very hot, we were tired mentally, we were missing lots of players.
“I apologise to the fans and everyone who came here to watch us. Now we must focus on rest and preparing for next season in the best way.”
This Club World Cup was also the first opportunity to work with new coach Cristian Chivu, who took over after Simone Inzaghi left to start a new experience with Al-Hilal.
However, Lautaro Martinez seemed to aim a strong message at teammate Calhanoglu, who is reportedly pushing for a transfer to Galatasaray.
“The coach gave us a strong push, even if today we went out of the competition. We have a clear message: anyone who wants to stay must stay, anyone who doesn’t want to stay here should leave.
“We represent an important club and must challenge for important objectives.”
Speaking to both Sport Mediaset and DAZN, Lautaro Martinez was asked specifically what he was referring to with those comments.
“I am just saying in general. It was a long and tiring season, we finished empty-handed. It is a general message. In order to stay up there and fight for titles, we must be eager, we must be a squad the way we were in the year of the second Scudetto. We’ve got to rebuild from there.
“I am not going to name names. We are here to give our all, but I saw many things I did not like. I am captain, I am the leader of the group, so I have to speak up.
“The message is clear: those who want to stay and continue challenging for important trophies can do so, otherwise, goodbye.”
Calhanoglu was not in the squad today due to injury.
