On the eve of the Coppa Italia final against Lazio, Cristian Chivu answered journalists’ questions in a press conference. Below are the statements from the Nerazzurri coach.
“They are two different matches, then there are the pitfalls. One because someone might think that what we did on Saturday was easy. Then it’s a final. We have to be humble, have the right attitude, we want to honor the Coppa Italia to the best of our abilities.”
“Thuram is fine, he’s better, today he trained with us and tomorrow we’ll have another day to evaluate him.”
“Did we handle defeats better than last season? I can’t speak on behalf of Mario (Cecchi). He said that defeats were handled in the best way by us and not that they were handled better than last year. This is thanks to the guys who tried and managed to give their best. A season is made up of ups and downs. You have to know how to react, you have to humbly accept that you need to work. We have to make sure they don’t overdo it in their thoughts and attitudes. We, like them, have values that have allowed us to do what we have done this year.”
We must not be obsessed. We have earned an important season. We need to maintain the same clarity and attitude. Be calm, have a smile on our faces, not lose the enthusiasm and humility that have distinguished us this season.”
“It doesn’t change a thing for me. If we win, I’m happy for them. I’m happy to have found a team that matches my ambitions, because I found guys who want to be competitive. From Lauti’s interview in America, I understood what he’s like. The strength of this group is trying to understand what we represent: a team that has built throughout its history. And what these guys have also built. They have won championships, cups, super cups and have reached the final twice. We win and lose together even in difficult moments.”
“I have given ambition, which was my experience as a player and as a player in this club. I know what it means to be in this environment and the rumors that surround this environment. I have always tried to reassure the guys from a human point of view. To try to manage the frustration that comes our way. To maintain the level of competitiveness. I deal with a group of real men. Who put themselves on the line and do everything to maintain the level of recent years.”
