On the eve of the trip to Marassi, a venue where Inter have struggled to take full points in recent years, Cristian Chivu spoke at the Appiano Gentile press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash agains...
On the eve of the trip to Marassi, a venue where Inter have struggled to take full points in recent years, Cristian Chivu spoke at the Appiano Gentile press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash against Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa.
Asked about the type of game Inter need to play, Chivu was clear.
“It has to be perfect even from our point of view. Our approach against a team that has regained enthusiasm and points under a new coach must be full of intensity. Playing in Genoa has never been easy for Inter; we need to give everything we have.”
Reflecting on the defeat to Liverpool, the Romanian continued, with quotes via FCInterNews.
“We approach it with the same calm that has marked our season so far. The reality on the pitch is different from what’s said off it. We are aware that we must put our best performance on the field, adding attention, responsibility, passion, and enjoyment.
“Despite what has been said, from my point of view, we’re having a great season. There are highs and lows, and we want to minimise the lows, but we are confident because our work is visible on the pitch, not just in the results.”
Genoa Vs Inter – Chivu Reflects On De Rossi Memories
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 20: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano attends a press conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
On what new coaches like him and De Rossi bring tactically and communicatively, Chivu added.
“Regarding communication, that’s for you to say. We have the humility to learn from those better than us. Experience counts, and they know how to manage situations. We’ve tried to take a bit from everyone, both in Italy and abroad.”
Chivu also spoke warmly about facing his former teammate De Rossi.
“I had four wonderful years with him at Roma. He was younger than me but integrated immediately. Even without the captain’s armband, he led by example.
“I’ve always admired his emotional and football intelligence, and his character is outstanding off the pitch. I can speak well of him because he deserves it; he is honest, true, and I respect him greatly.”
Regarding keeping players motivated after defeats, he said.
“We must continue with confidence and determination, learning from past mistakes. We shouldn’t forget that we’re having a great season.
“Under my management, excluding the Club World Cup, we’ve played 21 matches, and the group has shown a desire to dominate and get closer to our goals. The reality on the pitch is different from what some want to tell you.”
The Need For A Winning Mentality
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
On building a winning mentality, Chivu emphasised.
“I ask for a lot, but ultimately their perception and desire are more important than what I ask. We started under scrutiny; people said we were finished, yet we’re still here with a group that always shows pride and personality.
“We have room to improve, but we have never lost our identity or hunger. We want to dominate in Serie A and Europe. We’re on the right path and can still get better.”
Asked about missed comebacks, he explained this.
“Every match has moments. We’ve had errors, like in the two halves against Udinese and Napoli. For the rest, we always try to dominate and show our principles without speculating.
“That’s the most important thing. Speculating might get results, but I won’t lose our identity; we learn from mistakes.”
Chivu: ‘We Were Not Worse Than Liverpool’
On the physical demands of consecutive matches, including the narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
“In terms of effort and intensity, we added something against Liverpool compared to Como. The opponent is stronger individually, but I’m happy with our performance.
“We didn’t lower the level. In Champions League, the challenge is different, but from a gameplay perspective, we weren’t inferior to Liverpool. We’ll take the positives and move forward.”
Regarding pressure and expectations, Chivu was adamant.
“I don’t feel weighed down, but we have to face reality. Expectations are high; people want wins, and that’s fair. I focus on our process, not a single win or loss. Labels don’t help; at Inter, there are too many of them.”
Finally, he provided the latest injury update.
Category: General Sports
