At the end of the match won by Inter with a clear 3-0 against Fiorentina, the Nerazzurri coach Cristian Chivu answered questions from Sky Sport journalists. Here are his answers to questions regarding the growth of his team and the integration of young players into the Inter squad.
MATCH – “A team like Inter has the obligation to overcome difficulties to carry on the dream and the objective. Today it wasn’t easy because we were facing an organized team that sat behind the ball and counterattacked. We did well even though in the first half we didn’t make the right choices in the last 30 meters. The passing and the search for space to move their defensive line were there. In the second half we added concreteness and determination and managed to unlock the game with a shot from outside the box that we never tried in the first half, and after doubling the lead it was easier.”
SUCIC – “I’m happy for Petar because he is complete and can play both as a right or left midfielder or in a two-man midfield. He has quality and an important engine, he covers ground in a certain way. When he gets into the box he is clear-headed and today he showed it. We are all happy with the contribution he gives to the team.”
NEW ARRIVALS – “Today we had the patience to manage our mental energy, which is useful to understand what the opponent is doing. Today a second match emerged in the second half and we found space and clarity to do the right things. It’s right to let young players play but you always have to be careful how you put them in, we had a team full of responsibility and experience that gives a big hand to the young players and when they set an example they are forced to raise the level even in training.”
BISSECK – “I am happy with his performance because he has quality and in my view, which may be right or wrong, I have always thought he could play as a central defender. He can also play as a third but we had already tried him as a central in Belgium. Today we proposed him again in that role also considering the qualities of the opponent and a player like Moise Kean who can put you in difficulty. I told him not to play on anticipation but to let the ball run, my job and the staff’s is to advise and make him understand what is needed. As a player I wasn’t as fast as Bisseck but I think I can teach him something (smiles, ed.)”
Afterwards, the Inter coach also spoke to DAZN microphones:
3 POINTS – “The win was important, it was important to react, to continue our path. I’d say today we put in a good performance, showing maturity in having patience and looking for openings. Maybe in the first half, despite the search and ball dominance, we were a bit careless and not aggressive enough. In the second half we added what we were missing in the first half.”
TALKS – “I had to say two things to the team, I took advantage of the goal to change a bit what I didn’t like, I sometimes take the opportunity to do certain things and I apologize to the referee if I put them in difficulty sometimes. But from a human point of view I think they understand too.”
CALHANOGLU – “Top scorer? Hakan’s quality is unquestionable, he’s shown it for years. He just needed to find the right motivation, to overcome the difficulties of this summer. We are reaping the rewards of a complete midfielder who has leadership inside, we are happy with his performances and those of the other midfielders.”
SPARK – “The reaction I demanded at halftime I saw, there was no need to change. The legs were working, they had found the right rhythm, sometimes a coach has to understand where to intervene and where not to. A couple of changes crossed my mind where I saw a mistake, but then we unlocked the game. I had the patience to wait a little longer and we scored the second goal. This doesn’t mean a coach is more or less good, but you act based on analysis.”
OPPONENTS – “Noise from the enemies? I don’t listen to what is said, it’s a waste of energy. I’m inside this project, we try to fill the gaps of this group from a mental and physical point of view, we don’t care what others say or do.”
FUN – “What am I enjoying about this adventure at Inter? I don’t talk much about myself. If at the beginning I was worried and concerned, now little by little I’m starting to have fun.”
