Cristian Chivu has never been one for sugar coating and his latest assessment of Inter's rotation policy reveals a manager who knows exactly who the i...
Cristian Chivu has never been one for sugar coating and his latest assessment of Inter's rotation policy reveals a manager who knows exactly who the irreplaceables are. The former defender turned coach has offered a fascinating glimpse into the club's internal thinking, particularly regarding the treatment of Lautaro Martinez. When the rest of the squad is being rotated, the Argentine striker remains in the starting eleven. Why Because Chivu sees him as the axis around which the entire attacking wheel spins.This is not simply about goals. Lautaro's work rate, his pressing triggers, and his ability to drag defenders out of shape are what make him so difficult to leave out. In a side that depends on transitional play and quick vertical passes, his movement creates space for others to exploit. If Inter are to maintain their challenge on multiple fronts, they need a focal point who understands the nuances of the low block and can still produce clinical finishing when the ball arrives. Chivu has essentially said that resting Lautaro would be like asking a general to take a holiday during a siege.The Mkhitaryan situation adds another layer of complexity. The Armenian has been a quiet architect of Inter's rhythm, but his legs are not getting any younger and the fixture list is brutal. Chivu's dilemma is balancing the risk of burnout with the need for experience in the middle of the park. Drop Mkhitaryan and you lose guile; play him every three days and you risk losing him entirely. It is the kind of tactical headache that defines a season, a squeaky bum time decision that could make or break a campaign. Inter's depth is being tested and Chivu is showing he is not afraid to make the hard calls. The mantra appears to be simple: some players are too important to bench, even when the schedule screams for rest.
