Luciano Spalletti after another failure in the "Serie A" championship admitted that Mauro Icardi could have helped the team this weekend, but the coach himself is tired of all the drama, after which he cannot easily take and return the player to the starting position.
"Inter" lost at home to Rome's "Lazio" team on Sunday. L. Spalletti in these matches did not have both strikers - neither Lautaro Martinez, nor M. Icardi, who has not been playing lately due to injury and disagreements with the club management.
"I know what my job is. Because of what is happening today and what his behavior is, it must be left aside. Everyone knows perfectly well what happened and why the situation is like this now.
I think he could have played today for 20-30 minutes, maybe even the whole half, but that is not the main point. Those who are in the locker room should play. You must have at least some confidence in the whole group. I have been trustworthy to everyone throughout my 22-year career, including my players.
Everyone knows what happened absolutely. It is very obvious," continued L. Spalletti.
L. Spalletti was particularly annoyed by the attempt of M. Icardi's lawyer to negotiate with the club for M. Icardi's return to training. On February 13, his captain's armband was taken from him and a supposed injury was announced.
"These negotiations are humiliating - not only for the fans, but for everyone who loves 'Inter'. Someone has to mediate to get someone to put on the jersey they love... It's really low.
Do I have to send messages to 20 lawyers to invite someone to play? Icardi needs playing time. If he starts behaving as he did before, he will be able to return to the team.
People say we are losing because Icardi isn't playing. We are talking about the same player with whom 'Inter' couldn't get to the Champions League for years. 'Inter' lost even more when Icardi was playing.
With all due respect to him, he is not Messi to be able to win matches for us alone. Professionalism, self-esteem, and discipline are all necessary to be a footballer.
I haven't had to leave players for even more matches yet, but you must respect the team in the locker room. A coach, first of all, must be trusted and recognized by those who truly do good things in the team.
Please find an 'Inter' fan and ask them if they like a player with whom negotiations are needed so that he would put on 'Inter' jersey," skeptically concluded L. Spalletti about M. Icardi.
