Inter coach holds emergency meeting with Inter squad after Lautaro Calhanoglu rift
Inter head coach Cristian Chivu reportedly convened an emergency meeting with players and staff in Charlotte on Tuesday in response to growing tensions between captain Lautaro Martinez and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.
Per report by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the urgent session was held at the team hotel following the club’s early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup, with Chivu determined to address internal discord before it escalates further.
Sources indicate the manager stressed the importance of unity and a collective mindset ahead of pre-season preparations in a few weeks.
The flashpoint stems from Lautaro’s public comments after the 2-0 defeat to Fluminense, where he appeared to take aim at Calhanoglu, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray.
Lautaro stated that “anyone who doesn’t want to be here should leave,” prompting a response from Calhanoglu via social media that the remarks “hit hard” and were uncalled for.
The tension deepened when teammate Marcus Thuram liked Calhanoglu’s post, showing support for the Turkish midfielder.
Notably, Calhanoglu was absent from the meeting, having already returned to Europe with other injured players prior to Inter’s match.
However, several senior squad members reportedly voiced their perspectives during the closed-door gathering, with Chivu’s initiative earning broad support from the team.
