Chivu: ‘Inter could’ve done much better’ after 4-0 victory

Cristian Chivu wasn’t entirely happy with Inter’s 4-0 demolition of Como, insisting they ‘could’ve done much better,’ and shrugged off the rivalry with Cesc Fabregas.

The Nerazzurri knew this was a huge test of their title credentials, as Como were only three points behind them, unbeaten in 11 rounds, and had the best defence in Serie A.

It all made this 4-0 result all the more extraordinary, as Lautaro Martinez scored early on, then Marcus Thuram, Hakan Calhanoglu and Carlos Augusto piled on the goals after the restart.

Despite all that, he didn’t seem particularly pleased with the thumping victory.

“We could’ve done much better,” insisted Chivu on DAZN Italia.

“We were perhaps a little frenetic in the first half, using up a lot of energy pressing them high. It was a performance of aggression and at times quality, so we take the three points, those were the important things.”

Chivu had said before kick-off that Inter could take advantage of some ‘complacency’ from Como, and he explained a little more what that meant.

“I wanted to pass it around a bit better, to filter their passing channels, as we were always a bit frenetic. When they go man for man, you have to move the ball fast and find your teammates. We needed a little more calm to find the right moves, which we did in the second half.

“I think the first 20 minutes were of an extraordinary level of intensity, then we tried to take a little breather at 1-0 and we could’ve controlled the tempo better in that period. We had humility in waiting for them to pass the ball, win it back a little bit deeper, and then go on the counter.”

Luis Henrique had his third consecutive start in all competition and the patience paid off, as he provided a great assist for the Lautaro Martinez opener.

“We need all 22 outfield players, plus the goalkeepers, plus those coming up from the Under-23 teams. We need patience for those who arrive from other leagues, because it’s a big impact coming to Inter, and they can settle in also thanks to their teammates who have been for a while and can tell them what it means to play for Inter.”

It was particularly special for Chivu, knowing that Como coach Cesc Fabregas had been Inter’s first choice to replace Simone Inzaghi over the summer.

“This is for newspaper headlines, it is of no interest to me. I am focused on my team, what we need to do to improve. It’s stuff that is good for you to write the headlines, I understand that.”

Chivu was going wild on the touchline with his celebrations, as he has done a few times this season.

“I don’t remember what I did… I’m just the usual idiot, it’s fine,” he shrugged watching back the footage.

“I enjoy this team, this club, as I’ve been part of it for many years, apart from that three-month spell at Parma which taught me a lot. Now I am back, I try to give my best with passion and enthusiasm, passing that on to the lads.

“They know what it means to be an Interista and part of this club,” concluded Chivu.

Now Inter are at least for the night on top of the Serie A table, awaiting the results from Milan, Napoli and Roma.