Chivu spoke to DAZN microphones at the end of Milan–Inter 3-1, admitting the shortcomings but without condemning the entire performance of the Nerazzurri. “The approach was wrong, we have to admit it,” said the coach, “but I wouldn’t throw everything away. We had a reaction, we created chances, we got back into the game with the 2-1 and we created opportunities for the 2-2.”
Chivu also pointed to an episode that weighed before halftime: “We could have avoided giving away another goal, we needed to add something more than just tension and determination. We are sorry for the defeat, for the expectations, for what we could have done better, but we must appreciate the good things because in three days we are back on the pitch.”
On the performance in the second half, the coach explained the difficulties related to the physical condition of several players: “We tried to make a virtue out of necessity. Bonny made himself available at 4:30 in the morning: he had a fever of 39 and had been vomiting for two days. Provedel was at home in the same condition, and Pio also had problems. We were forced to find solutions with what we had.” In the last ten minutes Chivu brought on Pio and Bonny, knowing they were not at their best, looking for a reaction that, however, did not come.
Three derbies lost out of three, with Inter not beating Milan for eight matches: the coach admitted that something is not working. “It’s been two years since we won a derby, we have to find a solution, also in terms of attitude. We have to look ourselves in the mirror, the team and myself included, because there is something missing compared to last year.”
Chivu did not look for excuses or alibis: “I’m not looking for excuses and I’m not looking at the past, but we have to admit that something is wrong in terms of attitude and approach. Today we’re talking about 25 points, something different compared to last year, but not everything should be thrown away and there are still two games left before the break.”
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