Inter Coach Chivu Holds Emergency Meeting After Lautaro-Calhanoglu Dispute
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — FC Internazionale Milano’s preseason tour in the U.S. took a dramatic turn as head coach Cristian Chivu called an emergency meeting in Charlotte following a public fallout between team captain Lautaro Martinez and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.
Locker Room Rift Emerges Ahead of Season
The team, still reeling from a 2-0 loss to Fluminense FC in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16, faced renewed internal stress when Calhanoglu posted a pointed Instagram message criticizing Lautaro’s recent remarks. The midfielder suggested the captain’s words were “divisive,” intensifying speculation about discontent in the dressing room.
Adding fuel to the fire, striker Marcus Thuram liked Calhanoglu’s post, signaling what many are reading as a clear sign of split allegiances inside the squad.
Chivu Steps In to Calm Tensions
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Chivu called the meeting at the team’s Charlotte hotel to directly address the rift. With preparations for the new season set to begin in a few weeks, he emphasized the need for unity and mutual respect going forward.
“The team must move in the same direction,” Chivu reportedly told players and staff, reiterating that professional disagreements cannot interfere with collective goals.
The meeting was attended by senior players and team executives, although Calhanoglu himself was absent, having flown back to Europe with other injured players shortly before the team’s defeat.
What This Means for Inter Moving Forward
This incident casts a spotlight on the fragile dynamics within Inter’s leadership, as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing exit in the Club World Cup. While no disciplinary action has been announced, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how Chivu balances star egos in the coming weeks.
The club has not issued an official statement, but insiders say a renewed code of conduct may be introduced during preseason training.
Do you think Chivu can unite the locker room before the new Serie A season kicks off? Share your thoughts at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
