Lautaro admits Milan challenge ‘stimulates’ him during his worst period: “Prepare ourselves mentally” | OneFootball

Lautaro Martinez has had a poor season by his standards, but he is hoping that the season can get better with a win against AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana final.

The Argentine striker has seen a drop-off in his goals this year, but Milan cannot be any less wary of the threat that Martinez can provide in an instant, especially in a game of this magnitude, because as the cliche goes, big games are when big players shine.

Sergio Conceiao will be hoping to see more of the second half in this game, with the opening 45 minutes against Juventus frustrating the new head coach, and a possible change in the system could be favoured.

Before the game, Martinez sat with Simone Inzaghi to preview the fixture and he admitted that the team have spent time watching some performances of the Diavolo to prepare, whilst also admitting the game is helping motivate him – his words have been relayed by Milan News.

How are you and how much does this final against the only Italian team that beat you this year motivate you?

“It stimulates me a lot, because it’s a final, because it’s a derby. We all know how important this match is: it’s the first trophy of the season, the first objective this year. As we always say: we play to win all the objectives we have and to do our best to take Inter to the top.

“I don’t look at the statistics much… The goal is important, but it’s more important that Inter win and that I work for the team.”

Great strikers have moments when they don’t score…

“At the beginning, yes: I didn’t rest much, I didn’t do the preparation I wanted, there was no time. I feel different: I’ve already experienced moments like this, but this is the worst.

“But it’s different: I feel good, I feel like I’m getting back to the shape I want to be in and I’m calm even if the goal doesn’t come. Then there are other teammates who are scoring.”

His teammates care about him scoring goals…

“My teammates are important and I’m very happy about that, they recognize the work you do for the team. When I don’t score, I always try to give my contribution to the team. And I think I’m doing that now too.”

How does the team feel?

“Very good. We have recovered our energy, there is one day and two training sessions left. We are doing well, as a group, as a team. We are facing a strong team, Milan, who are the only team that has beaten us in the championship.

“It will be a great match to play: we will prepare it to take something away from them and bring the trophy to us.”

What impression did Milan make on you against Juve?

“We all saw it together in the hotel. We saw that they do similar things to Fonseca’s time, also because they worked little with the new coach. In the hours that remain we will look at something else.

Photo by AC Milan

“Juventus were winning, deservedly, but then games are like that when you don’t close them out: one episode changes everything. We have to prepare ourselves mentally because the details make the difference.”

Derby away from San Siro…

“Not all the fans will be there. But we are thinking about the match, about doing well and winning it. It is important to prepare well, to rest well. As a team we are there: I am calm, tomorrow we will have a great match.”