Coach demands clarity, with Lautaro and Thuram present. The club appreciated the coach`s authority, which will be needed when they return to Appiano.
A necessary meeting followed the storm in Charlotte. Before leaving, Inter held a frank and open discussion, a crucial first step towards restoring calm. The aftermath of the loss to Fluminense left deep wounds that require significant effort to heal. The hotel confrontation was initiated by coach Cristian Chivu, the team`s leader, and included the entire squad. Lautaro Martínez, who triggered the controversy after the match, was at the forefront. Alongside the captain was Marcus Thuram, the other half of the `ThuLa` duo, who publicly supported Hakan Calhanoglu (via social media) during his disagreement with Lautaro.
As stated publicly by President Beppe Marotta, the furious Argentine`s target was primarily the Turk (`whoever wants to leave, should leave…`). Hakan`s sharp reply on Instagram (`a true leader doesn`t look for culprits`) received a decidedly intentional like from the Frenchman. The deep-seated issues that emerged after the World Cup elimination, including this specific tension, were thoroughly discussed. Chivu ensured a collective clarification, not limited to just Thuram and Lautaro. Several senior players contributed to the discussion, addressing the team`s difficult phase and seeking a path forward. While the upcoming holidays will provide time for reflection and recovery, Chivu`s decisive approach was highly valued by the club. The Romanian coach has experience with challenging dressing rooms and managing similar crises. The effectiveness of the `ThuLa` partnership (Lautaro-Thuram) on the field remains to be seen, but this constructive meeting is considered a positive step towards restarting on the right foot.
