Chivu: ‘Lautaro Martinez doubt, Inter problem is result, not performance’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu confirms Lautaro Martinez might not be able to play against Ajax in the Champions League, but the irritated coach insists Inter ‘problems are the results, not the performances.’

It kicks off at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

The big question going into this game is around captain Lautaro Martinez, who is struggling with a back injury following the 4-3 defeat to Juventus on Saturday evening.

There are huge doubts as to whether the striker can even be on the bench, let alone in the starting XI, although he has a long history of pushing through pain to play anyway.

“He did not train today due to a small problem, tomorrow we will evaluate if he will be at our disposal or not,” explained Chivu in his press conference.

Chivu stands up for Sommer after Inter errors

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There were suggestions that Inter could also drop goalkeeper Yann Sommer in favour of Josep Martinez following a difficult start to the season, suffering back-to-back Serie A defeats against Udinese and Juventus.

“I will not change Sommer because some people are asking me to. I have a lot of respect for Martinez and he will have his opportunities, but someone going through a difficult time needs to be helped.

“Yann will be in goal tomorrow. I don’t think it’s fair to gang up on him right now.”

It has been said that Inter are still suffering from the psychological damage inflicted by last season’s late collapse, which saw them lose the Scudetto by a point to Napoli, then were crushed 5-0 in the Champions League Final by Paris Saint-Germain.

“I thought we were here to talk about the Champions League, instead we keep getting asked the same old questions,” responded an irritated Chivu.

“I think this is a strong team and proved it in Turin with the overall performance, but of course you can point the finger of blame if you only look at the result.

“We all know what a defeat means in Italy, so we must look at the good things too, like taking the initiative and attacking. I think we’re not far off giving a sense of consistency to the good things we’ve already seen and want to keep doing.

“We are not far off this team finding the confidence to emerge from this situation. The problem is with the results, not the performances.”

Cristian Chivu Inter press conference during 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

This represents a special match for Chivu, who was a defender with Ajax before making the move to Italy for Inter.

“I am grateful for all that I experienced here, they were years where I grew up as a man and a player. We saw how Ajax continue to bring through talented youth.

“I was the one who chose to leave, so that I could continue to grow in another country like Italy. I will always be grateful to Ajax and the Netherlands, though.”

The Romanian was asked if he had contacted his former Ajax coach Ronald Koeman to ask for some advice.

“With all due respect, I haven’t spoken to him for years. I know the quality they have here, the project that is in place. I know how a team like Ajax will face an opponent like Inter.

“Ajax are not victims and must not act as such, they have already proved their quality. I played here, so I know what they can do. It’s going to be tough for us, we need to be prepared mentally and physically.

“Ajax are strong, they combine experience and youth, are well-drilled, and represent a great city. We’ve got to be ready.”