Inter Milan Head Coach Defends Substituting Captain In AC Milan Derby Defeat: ‘Can’t I Change Players?’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan’s derby frustrations deepened as they fell 1-0 to AC Milan at San Siro, undone once again by a mix of wasted chances, a brilliant Mike Maignan performance and a fatal counter-attack as Cristian Chivu defends his decision to take Lautaro Martinez off.

After the match, Chivu faced the cameras with a blend of irritation and resolve, insisting his team had produced a strong display even if the outcome was bitterly familiar.

Chivu admitted the opening 45 minutes summed up the night: dominance without reward.

“It wasn’t only what we created, it was the performance and the attention,” he said, with quotes via FCInterNews, noting that Inter had largely prevented Milan from countering.

The coach lamented that “the only time we went long, we lost the ball and conceded,” calling it a harsh example of how fine the margins were.

Still, he praised his team’s attitude: “The boys tried until the end despite the disappointment. This is the spirit I always want to see.”

Pressed on the numbers, four goals conceded on the counter from 11 shots against, Chivu refused to blame goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

“I don’t make those kinds of analyses,” he insisted.

“I’ll never point fingers. They’re always the best for me. We could have managed moments better, but we’re all in this together.”

Inter 0-1 Milan – Chivu Defends Lautaro Martinez Substitution

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano reacts to a missed shot on goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Improving the team’s defensive transitions remains a priority, but Chivu stressed the structural risk in Inter’s attacking style.

“With our characteristics we have to attack with many players,” he said.

He added that the team must “perceive danger better, win more duels and even take a few more yellow cards to stop counters.”

The biggest talking point came when he substituted Lautaro Martinez on 64 minutes, a decision that immediately stirred debate.

Chivu brushed off the controversy with a sharp edge: “Can I not change players?” he replied.

“He’s fine. It was my choice. Everyone on the bench has contributed this season.”

With the table still compact, Chivu stressed that the only response now is to regroup quickly ahead of Wednesday’s crucial fixture against Atletico.