Inter head coach Cristian Chivu spoke to the press on the eve of his side’s Serie A clash against Cremonese, discussing his selection, defensive focus and the latest after Marcus Thuram’s injury, ...
Inter head coach Cristian Chivu spoke to the press on the eve of his side’s Serie A clash against Cremonese, discussing his selection, defensive focus and the latest after Marcus Thuram’s injury, holding his cards close to his chest as to who will partner Lautaro Martinez in attack.
He also spoke at length about Ange-Yoan Bonny, Pio Esposito, squad fitness and what to expect from Cremonese.
The quotes come directly from Chivu’s press conference, via FCInterNews.
Inter Vs Cremonese – Chivu On Who Partners Lautaro, GK Policy, “No Rules”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chivu was coy when questioned about who would partner Lautaro Martinez against Cremonese.
“I don’t know yet, we’ll see tomorrow. Right now I only have the ‘La’. I have an idea on who to play alongside him: I’m 90% decided but I can’t tell you,” the coach said.
The coach has rotated his squad on several occasions already this season and was asked whether or not it will continue.
“For me there is no ‘usual,’ there is normality.
“I’m not superstitious, I don’t see ghosts – I do what’s right to manage a group. There are no rules in football – lucky those who think otherwise.
“There are no limitations; you need an open mind to go beyond. I’m not afraid of that. There isn’t a rule that says a goalkeeper plays Champions League or Serie A – my players must earn their chance.
“It will depend on my feelings. I don’t want selfishness but maximum availability. You’ll see the line-up tomorrow.”
Chivu hammered home the point, revealing how the rotation keeps his squad motivated.
“Players must feel responsible; I have no rules for announcing the line-up. I always mix things up in training so they feel important.
“Maybe someone was pissed off thinking he wouldn’t play – I want him like that.
“No one should feel comfortable. Sometimes I say the line-up the day before, sometimes in the morning. So far I’ve even said it three hours before the match.”
Chivu On Thuram, Defensive Balance & Team Condition
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale shows his frustration at the end of the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chivu applauded his team’s defensive improvement in recent weeks:
“We’ve found balance; we’ve improved in that respect,” he said.
“There’s more attention even when we try to attack. I’m happy because I start from not conceding goals, from being an organised team, with a strong desire not to concede.”
Marcus Thuram had to come off with an injury in Inter’s midweek win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League.
The Frenchman will not likely return until after the international break, which is a blow for Chivu and his side.
“At Cagliari he came off after an hour – he’d had a rest. Against Slavia I saw him with Lautaro as a pair that would cause problems.
“He was enjoying himself, felt good, then injury is always around the corner. We’re sorry to lose him, also on a human level because honestly that matters to me.
“It’s not a very serious injury but it will take a bit to have him back with us.”
The Romanian also spoke on the importance of conditioning and fitness over a long season.
“Condition is important, but I’ve never looked for excuses even if we had a ‘short’ pre-season.
“The team managed to give continuity to the first match. As we go on, sharpness improves but then there’s the risk of injuries.
The team trains well, even more than football’s ‘rules’. I often argue with the fitness coach about certain things.
“We’re a staff with a certain sensitivity; we know how and when to do things. The players immediately embraced our methodology.”
Chivu On Cremonese Threat For Inter & Summer Signings
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newly-promoted Cremonese are unbeaten so far this season and have already had one successful trip to San Siro.
In their opening game, Davide Nicola’s side beat Milan 2-1 at the Meazza, which remains the Rossoneri’s only defeat this campaign.
Chivu is wary of the threat their opposition poses on Saturday:
“Cremonese are a physical, organised team that knows its limits with the ambition to stay up.
“Nicola understands this division: he’s given them a mentality. They have experienced players who read moments; a team with heart and humility to do what’s needed against opponents.”
Chivu also discussed summer signing Andy Diouf, who has so far played just 11 minutes for Inter since signing from Lens in August.
“Andy needs time, he was the last to arrive. I rewarded him by giving him a debut a day after he joined. He’s training well and I see big growth since he came.
“At first he was a bit shy with the new team but today he’s more involved.
“I have a group of guys who help him every day and he’s opening up. I see quality and determination in him and a very important work ethic.
“I’m happy to have him available, he’ll get his chances.”
Finally, the Romanian concluded his press conference with praise for Ange-Yoan Bonny, who some in the Italia press speculate will start alongside Lautaro on Saturday.
“What Bonny is missing is just a start, you’re waiting for it… but he’s always come on and he’s had minutes.
“Sooner or later it’ll be his turn from the beginning. He has a good profile, a good player. Maybe you’ll reproach me that I talked about Pio and not him, but they know I value young players, I believe in their energy.
“I know how important it is, in an established group, to have young guys who add extra hunger.
“Angy is one of them: he’s respected and appreciated by the group. He gives his all, always.
“I’m happy because he’s a kid I care about. I know what he can give and sooner or later it’ll be his turn to start.
“He’s happy to be at Inter and he’s even happy to play two minutes – I know he’s like that.”
Category: General Sports
