‘I told him to smile more’ – Chivu offers advice to relentless Martinez
Inter host Kairat Almaty in the Champions League as Cristian Chivu’s side look to maintain their 100% start to their European campaign.
Inter head coach Cristian Chivu revealed that he told captain Lautaro Martinez to “smile more” to avoid being weighed down by the pressure of his role.
Martinez has scored just three goals in 10 Serie A games this season as Inter sit two points behind league leaders Napoli.
However, the 28-year-old has had more joy in the Champions League. He has scored three goals in two games, with a matchup against Kairat Almaty next for the Nerazzurri.
Martinez has scored 24 goals overall in the Champions League, and the only Argentinian players with more in the competition are Lionel Messi (129), Sergio Aguero (41) and Hernan Crespo (25).
He has scored 11 goals in his last 10, with no player scoring more times in major European competition this calendar year (Harry Kane also 11).
Chivu believes Martinez is performing better than he realises as he encouraged his captain to enjoy his responsibilities.
“Sometimes the weight of responsibility clouds his thoughts,” said Chivu.
“I told him to smile more, he knows who he is, how much he works and what he represents for us.
“Lautaro isn’t a problem, he’s an example in how he works. If the striker doesn’t score, someone else will.
“We’re working to keep improving and find consistency. There will be storms, that’s football and life. What matters is staying up straight with your head held high.”
Chivu is aiming to be the first manager to win each of their first four Champions League games since Hansi Flick in 2020, and the first ever to do so without conceding.
Although Kairat have picked up just one point from their opening three fixtures in the league phase, Chivu is wary of the threat they may pose.
He added: “It’s never easy to win in these competitions. They went through four preliminary rounds, we must respect them and stay focused.”
