Inter Milan Coach Must Manage Argentina Star’s Minutes – Even If It Means Tough Choices

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi will have some tough decisions to make as he has to manage the minutes of captain Lautaro Martinez.

This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Inter are back in action this weekend after the third international break of the season.

And unlike in previous returns to the club season, there is not another break right around the corner.

There will be about four matches in which the Nerazzurri have matches in Serie A, the Champions League, the Coppa Italia, and the Supercoppa Italiana to juggle.

And for Inter coach Simone Inzaghi this will mean thinking about squad rotation.

The Nerazzurri coach cannot blame international teams if his players suffer injuries or start to show signs of fatigue. Until the spring, he has total control of his squad.

And therefore, Inzaghi is starting to think about how he will spread the minutes among his squad.

Tough Choices For Inter Coach Simone Inzaghi Managing Minutes Of Lautaro Martinez

There are few players in Inter’s squad who will present as much of a challenge as Lautaro Martinez as far as managing the workload.

First of all, the Argentine is a hugely important players for Inter.

Martinez is Inter’s captain, first of all. The 27-year-old wears the armband for a reason at the Nerazzurri.

Martinez’s leadership on and off the pitch is evident. He is a reference point for the team in and around the penalty area.

Moreover, Martinez is not a player who likes to be left out of the team.

The Argentine’s hunger to play and contribute has meant that in the past he has even played through pain and fitness-related problems.

This intensity and motivation can be a positive for Inzaghi and Inter. But it also has a more problematic side.

And that will be something for the Nerazzurri coach to think about.

There is little doubt that Martinez will start for Inter against Hellas Verona this weekend. Inter and Martinez will be hungry to return to Serie A action with a bang.

But from here on out Inter will largely be playing two matches a week.

There is no way that Martinez can start all of these matches. Or even necessarily come off the bench.

Inzaghi has not been afraid to drop Martinez for big matches this season. The captain started on the bench in a goalless draw against Manchester City in the Champions League in September, for example.

Therefore, the Inter coach will have to make more similar choices going forward.