Lautaro Martinez: “Not Always Coach’s Fault As We’re The One’s On The Pitch Who Represent Inter”

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez believes that the players are as much at fault as coach Simone Inzaghi when the form of the team takes dip.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia after the team’s 1-0 win over Torino, the Argentine gave his thoughts on the criticisms that have emerged of Inzaghi and suggested that the players should also stand up and be counted when things aren’t going well.

Inter look to have taken a step in a positive direction by taking three points from their match against Torino, but it has hardly put the feeling behind them for good that the start to the season has been a difficult one for the team.

As the coach, Inzaghi has been a figure who has become central to a lot of the criticisms and doubt, but Martinez was keen to emphasize that the players are the ones who represent the club and need to improve as well when the team is struggling.

“It’s not always the coach’s fault,” he said, “it’s us who represent the team on the pitch, we face the opponents. The coach makes choices, we have to respond – it’s Inter. When someone is called upon, he has to answer.”

Of the result, Martinez said that “Today was an important match, we had to win at all costs and we had to show that we’re still in it and that the team is where it needs to be. We had to give something more.”

He continued that “We have to improve in all aspects, but we also have to fight because there are so many things that have brought us this far.”

“Tomorrow we’ll meet and there will be more constructive criticism,” the 25-year-old went on. “When you make a mistake and respond to it in a positive way, things always improve.”

Asked if he feels that he’s becoming more of a leader in this Inter team, Martinez replied that “I always try to do my job, when it comes to my workrate there are no problems, I always try to help the team.”

He added that “I always thank my teammates because if things go well it’s thanks to them.”

Asked how the impending World Cup affects preparations, the Argentine said that “It’s different, the league will stop and the World Cup will be played. My individual preparation hasn’t changed, now I want to give my best for Inter.”