Inter Coach Criticized for Substitution Choice: Was Betting on the Worst Performer the Right Decision?

In the 95th minute of Inter Milan's match against Real Sociedad, a long ball was sent into the box. The defensive stalwart headed it down, and Lautaro Martínez took a powerful shot from a tight angle, only to see it narrowly miss the crossbar. Football’s charm lies in such moments; had the ball gone in, the coach would have been hailed as a tactical genius. Since it didn't, the decision was mocked as a futile gamble. In the end, Inter drew 0-0 with Real Sociedad, finishing second in their group. This likely means they will face tougher opponents like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Arsenal, PSG, or Borussia Dortmund in the first knockout round. On Twitter, many so-called experts have already written off Inter's chances, labeling them as future round-of-16 casualties.

Post-match, Italian media gave the lowest ratings to Alexis Sánchez and Marko Arnautović. While Sánchez had few highlights, he at least contributed something. Arnautović, however, was the worst performer, managing just nine touches in 35 minutes and losing possession four times due to errors. Aside from a single defensive clearance during a set piece, his performance was abysmal, with zero successful shots, dribbles, playmaking, or one-on-one duels. His visible frustration at not receiving passes further irked fans. Given the high expectations attached to his relatively expensive transfer (considering his age), his poor performance attracted severe criticism.

Simone Inzaghi, Inter’s coach, faced a barrage of criticism from the media and reporters. The primary point of contention was Arnautović’s substitution. Reporters questioned why Inzaghi replaced Marcus Thuram early and why he didn't allow Thuram and Martínez to play together. At the 65th minute, when Martínez (a planned substitution) came on, Arnautović replaced Thuram, preventing the “Thuram-Lautaro” pairing from playing together even for a second. This decision became the match's most controversial point. Some broadcasters argued that even delaying Thuram's substitution by 10-15 minutes might have secured a victory.

Inzaghi explained his decisions post-match, mentioning the difficulty of remaining unbeaten in six Champions League matches and the team's missed opportunities despite Real Sociedad having few chances. However, these explanations fell short as Inter missed out on the top spot in the group. Inzaghi’s notable comment was: “Why didn't I let Thuram and Lautaro play together? It's December, and we hope to remain at our best until June. So, I decided they needed rest. I’m satisfied with the team, and also with Sánchez and Arnautović. It’s normal that they aren't at their best since they’ve played less, but their form is improving.”

Tactical Decisions and Rotational Strategy

Inzaghi's statement that he was "satisfied" with Sánchez and Arnautović is likely a diplomatic response. However, his insistence that Thuram and Martínez needed rest reveals his true reasoning. Commentator Altobelli noted that Inzaghi’s cautious approach reflects a deep-seated fear—of recent narrow escapes from losing the Serie A top spot, of the league title race going down to the wire, and of over-relying on the “Thuram-Lautaro” duo, which could jeopardize their performance by season’s end.

Thus, Inzaghi placed his bets on Arnautović and Sánchez to secure the group’s top spot. Some argue this was a reasonable choice, suggesting that relying solely on Martínez and Thuram for a full season's multi-front battle is inadequate. The two veterans' underperformance was a miscalculation, but the principle of rotation itself wasn’t wrong. After all, it has been repeatedly emphasized that Thuram is injury-prone, and the more indispensable he becomes, the more Inter cannot afford his absence.

Others believe this decision was foolish. They argue that keeping Thuram on the field for another 10-15 minutes with Martínez might have secured the group’s top position, potentially drawing a weaker opponent in the round of 16, which could have led to deeper progression in the tournament and significant financial gains. However, these arguments are fraught with too many "what ifs."

Football is a sport without definitive answers, and the truth of such decisions is hard to ascertain in the present. Inter rotated more than four players in five out of six group stage matches, which is a fact. Inter failed to secure the group’s top spot, which is another fact. Whether finishing first or second in the group, the round of 16 will still require a fierce battle and excellent performance to advance. The validity of Inzaghi’s choices should perhaps be reserved for judgment until the spring, when we can see if Inter avoids the recurrent “late-season slump” that has plagued them in recent years.

Arnautović's Performance and Squad Management

The match against Real Sociedad highlighted the ongoing dilemma within Inter's squad management. Arnautović’s underwhelming performance has led to severe criticism from fans and media alike. His mere nine touches and frequent loss of possession have called into question Inzaghi’s faith in him as a game-changer.

Arnautović's substitution for Thuram not only failed to capitalize on the momentum but also deprived Inter of the much-anticipated “Thuram-Lautaro” partnership, which many believed could have broken the deadlock. Fans were left frustrated, feeling that a vital opportunity was missed due to what they perceived as Inzaghi's overly cautious approach.

Inzaghi's defense of his decisions, emphasizing the need for rest and long-term strategy, underscores the broader challenges of managing a team through the rigors of a season. Balancing immediate match outcomes with the necessity to preserve player fitness and avoid burnout is a delicate task. The reliance on Sánchez and Arnautović, both of whom have had limited playtime and inconsistent performances, was a calculated risk—one that, in this instance, did not pay off.

Future Implications and Tactical Flexibility

Inter's position in the Champions League and Serie A requires a flexible and adaptive approach. Inzaghi's strategy to rest key players like Thuram and Martínez is rooted in the desire to maintain peak performance across all competitions. However, the criticism highlights the inherent tension between short-term results and long-term planning.

The upcoming matches will test Inzaghi's ability to adapt his tactics and rotation policies. The performances of players like Arnautović and Sánchez will be under scrutiny, and their ability to step up in critical moments will be crucial. Inter's success will depend not only on the form of their star players but also on the contributions of the entire squad.

The debate over Inzaghi's substitutions and match strategy reflects the broader challenges faced by top-tier managers. Balancing player rotations, managing expectations, and achieving consistent results require a nuanced understanding of both the team's immediate needs and the long-term objectives. The criticism, while intense, also serves as a reminder of the high stakes and pressures inherent in leading a club like Inter Milan.

The Road Ahead

As Inter prepares for the knockout stages of the Champions League and the continuation of the Serie A campaign, the lessons from the Real Sociedad match will undoubtedly influence Inzaghi’s decisions. The need to strike a balance between resting key players and securing crucial victories will remain a central theme.

Inter's supporters, while passionate and often critical, will be hoping that the coach's strategic choices ultimately lead to success on multiple fronts. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but it also presents opportunities for redemption and glory. Inzaghi's ability to navigate these complexities will determine whether Inter can achieve their ambitious goals and silence the critics.

Ultimately, the success of Inzaghi's approach will be judged by the results in the coming months. Whether the decision to rest Thuram and Martínez proves to be a masterstroke or a misstep will be revealed as Inter battles through the decisive stages of the season. For now, the debate continues, with the outcome still hanging in the balance.