Inter coach Antonio Conte is not concerned about Barcelona’s interest in 22-year-old Argentinian striker Lautaro Martinez, according to a report from today’s paper edition of the Rome based newspaper Corriere dello sport.
The report details how the 50-year-old Italian coach has been instrumental to the growth of Lautaro. The 22-year-old finished last season with only nine goals, but after ten games with Conte he already has a total of seven, showing his development under the former Juventus and Chelsea coach.
Furthermore, the report adds, Conte is unconcerned about the Blaugrana’s continued interest in Lautaro and is instead focusing on further developing his star striker. Speaking in a press conference yesterday, Conte suggested that whilst he has some concerns, none of them relate to Barcelona’s market ambitions.
“It’s important to look at the present because it’s through the present that the future is built. There are other concerns that I have, not the one that Barcelona is looking at some of our players.”
Conte then discussed how important it is that Lautaro keeps his mind focused and doesn’t let media talk impact his performances.
“Every time you speak well of a player, he disappoints the next game. It happened against Parma and now you’re trying again. He has good prospects, but he has to be even more clinical in front of goal. It’s up to Lautaro to become a top player and not just another good striker.”