Speaking at a press conference in Appiano Gentile on the eve of Inter-Liverpool, Cristian Chivu talked about the opponent and how important tonight’s match could be for the Nerazzurri in terms of direct qualification for the round of 16 (THE PROBABLE LINEUPS FOR INTER-LIVERPOOL). Here are the Inter coach’s answers to journalists’ questions:
LIKE AGAINST COMO – “Liverpool makes intensity its motto, Slot is trying to maintain this aspect, this year they started well then had a difficult moment but it is one of the most renowned teams worldwide. We know their value, we want to bring intensity, they have this culture also because of how football is experienced in England, which allows them to have that kind of approach to matches and to football in general.”
HIGH PRESSURE – “Everything is replicable, it depends on the match, the opponent’s attitude, the energy. Playing every three days it’s not easy to maintain that kind of attitude, so it’s essential to understand the moments of the match without losing balance, also to avoid exposing ourselves too much. It depends on many factors, we are trying to instill this kind of mentality.”
THE OPPONENT – “We’ll see tomorrow, on the board everything is easy, then you have to bring those words onto the pitch. We know Liverpool’s intensity and qualities, we are also aware of what we can give, in recent years this team has made Italian football talked about in Europe by reaching two finals in 5 years and this should be highlighted because some credit must be given to them regardless of the final result.”
SALAH CASE – “We know what Salah means to football, we know his value, it’s not a concern of mine but I know there are players who can replace him while maintaining the very high level that Liverpool has. We must worry about Liverpool as a collective because they have a lot of quality.”
INTER DEFENSE – “Manuel didn’t train today because he wasn’t feeling well, we’ll see tomorrow how he is. Acerbi is the defender with the most minutes along with Bastoni and Akanji. Bisseck has shown what we expected from him. Based on the opponent, the work, and my intuition, choices are made. Acerbi has shown over the years that he can play every three days, he recovers very quickly and can do it.”
SET PIECES – “It was mixed zone even before Atletico, when a case was made about the goal conceded in that situation. Before, it was interpreted as a disturbance, especially from the second line, while now we focus more on marking.”
DUMFRIES AND DARMIAN – “They are still out but I don’t know for how long. They are improving, Matteo will start the rehabilitation program, Denzel has started working in the gym without putting too much weight on his ankle but it will still take some time.”
AVOIDING PLAYOFFS – “Everyone’s goal is to play two fewer matches but if it happens, we must be ready to do it. We are working to give everyone minutes, making our rotations to give players confidence, which will allow us, if we have to play more, to be ready.”
AFTERMATH OF THE FINAL – “It’s hard to assess what the players have inside. I know what work they do to always be competitive. What happened can’t be changed, we have to accept it and stand tall to have another season raising the level and maintaining our objectives. I know that every time we’ve lost we’ve reacted, that in our daily work we always strive to improve. They have had to deal with important changes, with a new coach but they give everything to be competitive because they care about having a great season.”
DYNAMIC TEAM – “I’m happy with what they’re doing, I don’t put up walls, I try to build bridges to get out of the comfort zone and embrace what’s new and I’m lucky to have players who appreciate this attitude, I’m pleased with their willingness. Even the new players have given their utmost availability and have shown good things compatible with the team’s work, they have contributed to the cause.”
