After Inter Milan’s 0-1 home defeat to Liverpool in the first phase of the Champions League,Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu was interviewed by multiple media outlets and attended the post-match press conference.
What do you think of the game?
“Based on how the match unfolded, a draw would have been a fair result. We had a slow start in terms of energy, but we tried to maintain the rhythm despite some difficulties. However, we made two substitutions – these forced changes restricted us at crucial moments.”
“We really needed to make those substitutions, but the team’s energy dropped afterward, and the game was somewhat affected by the two changes we had to make. Then there was a controversial incident late in the game – this is the second time in two Champions League matches – and we couldn’t steer the game back in the direction we wanted.”
“We tried and showed courage, but we should have been calmer. Our formation was pushed too deep, and we could have handled some transitions better. The team could have performed better; we withstood their intensity at the start and later found solutions, but we dropped off in the final phase.”
How do you assess that penalty?
“I rarely comment on referees’ decisions. I prefer to talk about coaching aspects – what we should learn from these games. From my perspective, from a dynamic perspective, the referee didn’t call a foul on the pitch, but we have to understand the whole process when VAR intervenes. We have to accept the referee’s decision and learn to deal with injustice and these minor controversial incidents. We must be more attentive and reflect on what we want to do.”
Did you expect to face such an aggressive Liverpool?
“We anticipated their press. The team could have done better, but we were a bit intimidated at first before gradually finding our rhythm in possession. In the second half, I expected them to continue pressing, especially in the last ten minutes, but as energy levels dropped, we couldn’t make any more substitutions, which forced our formation to drop a bit too low.”
Beyond match analysis, as a former defender, does modern football force you to coach young players in a different way?
“When it comes to coaching, these situations arise in every corner kick and free kick. It’s second nature to me, and I have to pass on something different to them.”
Are you satisfied with the team’s performance?
“We struggled with their possession at the start, so I made two substitutions. Then we found our footing in the second half and took control of possession in the final minutes, regaining the intensity we had at the beginning. It’s not easy to control the game against a physically strong team like Liverpool. In the second half, we wanted to push forward, but I didn’t want to make any more changes. We were forced to make one substitution, bringing on a player with good fitness to see out the game. Then we lost because of that controversial incident.”
Inter have lost to Juventus, Milan, and Napoli in Serie A this season, and to the strongest opponent in the Champions League. Do you have your own understanding of this?
“We have to do better, but we are still among the leaders. If you are only a few points away from first place, it means other teams have their problems too. I don’t know the full truth – although we have 12 points, it’s not enough to be comfortable until January. Before that, we still have the Italian Super Cup and league games. We will try our best, but things are not easy when you’re not performing well. However, these are not catastrophic; we will work hard to improve these aspects in training.”
How are the injured players?
“Dumfries’ ankle is still not good – I don’t know when he will be back. I thought it wasn’t a serious issue, but he still feels pain when trying to push off. Çalhanoğlu has been experiencing persistent pain in his right adductor muscle, and Acerbi has discomfort in his right thigh flexor. This happens when you have no time to rest. We have to accept it and find solutions with the available players, making use of all 22 squad members.”
Do you still believe you can qualify directly for the round of 16?
“We still have two games left, which will be played in January. We have to learn to deal with defeats and injustice because there are still league games ahead, then the Super Cup – there are many matches between now and January.”
