Inter: Ex-coach Ripert says Inzaghi protected Dimarco, not subbed early | OneFootball

Fabio Ripert, former Inter athletic trainer, responds to Federico Dimarco after the wing-back’s comments about his relationship with Inzaghi: “It’s not true that he was always subbed off in the 60th minute; the coach was protecting him to preserve him physically.”

Inter, former trainer Ripert replies to Dimarco: “Inzaghi just wanted to protect him; it’s not true he always came off at the 60th minute”

Former Inter athletic trainer Fabio Ripert spoke to Tuttosport to clarify Federico Dimarco’s recent statements. Ahead of the Champions League clash with Slavia Prague, the player had voiced some doubts about Simone Inzaghi’s substitution management.

“It’s not true that Dimarco was always subbed off at the 60th minute; at least at the start of the season it wasn’t like that. You have to think over 60 matches, not just the initial ones,” explained Ripert, who worked with the Piacenza-born coach during his final years with the Nerazzurri.

“In the 3-5-2, wing-backs expend an enormous amount: it takes 70 hours to recover”

Ripert then justified Inzaghi’s choices with athletic and physiological criteria:

“When you play in the Champions League or face Serie A’s big matches, the cognitive and mental expenditure is at its peak. It’s normal for the coach to let you play an hour and then replace you: in the 3-5-2, the wing-backs are the ones who spend the most,” he noted.

And further: “If you play 90 minutes and then another 90 without recovering, the risk of injury grows exponentially. The body needs at least 70 hours to regenerate metabolic mechanisms, both aerobic and anaerobic. You can’t expect an athlete to handle that load without consequences.”

“Inzaghi strongly wanted him at Inter”

The former trainer also recalled how it was Simone Inzaghi himself who decisively backed Dimarco, relaunching him in the Nerazzurri shirt after several loan spells.

“It was Inzaghi who wanted him at Inter, unlike other coaches who let him go to gain experience. Dimarco is a smart guy; I don’t think he meant to criticize the coach. His decisions were always made to protect him and keep him fresh for the following matches,” Ripert concluded in the interview by Simone Togna.

Context: Dimarco’s words

A few days earlier, Federico Dimarco had stated: “I was always substituted after 60 minutes, but now with Chivu I’m finding confidence and consistency again.”

The remark sparked debate, fueling interpretations of a supposed unease during Inzaghi’s tenure. Ripert’s comments now help dial down the controversy, explaining the choice as part of an athletic injury-prevention strategy.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.