Inter Milan Coach Holds Emergency Meeting to Quell Lautaro Calhanoglu Rift After Club World Cup Exit

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu convened an emergency meeting with players and staff on Tuesday in Charlotte following a growing rift between team captain Lautaro Martínez and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu. The move comes in the wake of Inter’s disappointing early exit from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, tensions escalated after Lautaro’s post-match comments seemingly targeted Calhanoglu, who has been linked with a transfer to Turkish side Galatasaray. Lautaro had stated, “Anyone who doesn’t want to be here should leave,” a remark interpreted as a direct jab at the midfielder.

In response, Calhanoglu posted on social media that Lautaro’s words “hit hard” and were inappropriate. Teammate Marcus Thuram further fueled speculation of a divide within the squad by liking Calhanoglu’s post, signaling support for the Turkish international.

The urgent meeting, held at Inter’s team hotel, aimed to reinforce team unity and ensure a focused mindset ahead of pre-season preparations. Chivu reportedly emphasized the need for professionalism and solidarity within the squad. Although Calhanoglu was absent having returned to Europe early due to injury several senior players spoke candidly during the session.

Coach Chivu reportedly told the team: “This is the time to stick together. Differences should be addressed internally, not played out in public.”

Although not directly quoted in this report, both Lautaro and Calhanoglu’s earlier public comments have become central to the controversy.

With Inter Milan preparing for a crucial pre-season and squad reshuffles potentially underway, Chivu’s effort to restore harmony could prove pivotal. The club is expected to monitor player dynamics closely, especially with Calhanoglu’s future still uncertain.