Chivu: Inter ‘deserve praise’ for recent Champions League success – ‘It’s not easy’

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu believes that Inter deserve more praise for reaching two Champions League finals over the last three seasons, insisting that ‘it’s not easy’ to replicate what the Nerazzurri achieved under Simone Inzaghi: ‘Inter have carried the Italian flag high, across the world.” 

The Nerazzurri tactician gave his thoughts on this year’s Champions League campaign, Inter’s recent success in the competition, the threat that Liverpool pose ahead of their meeting on Tuesday and the situation surrounding Mohamed Salah during his pre-match press conference on Monday. 

At the beginning of Chivu’s pre-match press conference on Monday, he was asked if his team will be able to ‘replicate’ the attitude and intensity they showed during their 4-0 Serie win over Como this weekend. 

He replied: “They (Liverpool) are a team who make ‘intensity’ their motto, it’s a part of their identity. Klopp brought it, Slot is trying to keep that and has succeeded given that he won the Premier League. They started well this year, they’ve had a few difficulties since, but they’re a team that’s built for this sort of game. 

“We know what they bring on the pitch, individually and collectively. We want to be like them, but they are born that way. They have a history and culture, linked to what football represents in England, which is different to how it is in Italy. Not better or worse, just different, and it leads to a certain approach.”

Then, answering the original question, Chivu said: “It’s all replicable, it depends on your opponent’s energy and attitude. Playing every three days isn’t easy. It’s not a complaint, but a fact. You can’t lose your balance and can’t expose yourself too much against quality opponents. You also have to rest at certain points. Ask Marcus (Thuram), he’ll tell you that it’s not easy to be under pressure for 90 minutes in a row.” 

And does Chivu feel that Inter are well-equipped to face teams like Liverpool? 

“We’ll see tomorrow,” he replied. “Everything is easy when you say it, it looks easy on the whiteboard and on the screens too. The problem is turning those words into strength on the pitch. We all know about Liverpool’s intensity, the quality they have individually and collectively. 

“Inter have carried the Italian flag high and across the world: It’s not easy to reach two Champions League finals and a Europa League final in five years, and that should be recognised. An Italian team that plays like that deserves some praise, apart from the final result.” 

Chivu was also asked what he makes of Liverpool’s apparent decision to leave 250-goal Mohamed Salah at home for Tuesday’s game following his post-match outburst over the weekend. 

“It’s not my concern. I know that they have players who can replace him, and that Liverpool will therefore maintain a high level as they always have done throughout their history,” Chivu said. 

“We’re talking about teams, not individuals,” Chivu continued. “That is why we have to worry about what the group does, not about individuals. They have a lot of quality.”

Then, focussing on his own side, Chivu provided an update on the absent Manuel Akanji and also spoke about the decisions he has to make at the back. 

“Manuel didn’t train today because he’s not well. We’ll see tomorrow. I think Acerbi is the defender who has played the most minutes along with Bastoni and Akanji. Bisseck has started to show what we expect from him. We need everyone’s contribution and he’s shown a bit more recently. 

“I make choices based on my own intuitions, the opponent, how I plan to tackle them. Acerbi can play twice in three days the way he is. He has something that others don’t because he’s able to recover really quickly.” 

Then came an injury update on Denzel Dumfries and Matteo Darmian: “Still out, I don’t know for how long,” Chivu said. 

“They’re improving, Darmian is on his way back, he’ll begin his conditioning programme soon. Denzel is working in the gym but without putting any weight (on his leg). He’s walking without pain but it will take time.” 

How important is it for Inter to finish the Champions League league phase in the top eight and avoid the play-off round? 

“It’s everyone’s goal. We’ll be ready if we have to play (in the play-offs). We’re trying to give minutes to everyone, we make rotations to try and keep our players happy and to give them confidence.” 

Chivu was asked whether a win against Liverpool on Tuesday will ‘make up’ for the 5-0 loss against PSG in last season’s Champions League final, or whether he feels that that major disappointment has already been put behind them. 

“It’s a good question,” he replied. “It’s difficult to evaluate. I know the commitment the players give every day, trying to be competitive this season. We can’t erase what happened last season, you have to hold your head up and keep the level high. 

“I know that every time we’ve lost, we’ve reacted and that we work hard on a daily basis to improve. It wasn’t easy for them either, with a new manager who could have caused confusion after four years under a brilliant coach, who achieved great things. But they’re giving their all to be competitive this year.”