Chivu Navigates Early Crisis In First Month At Inter Milan & FIFA Club World Cup | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu has gone straight into the deep end at Inter Milan, with an early crisis to navigate in his first few weeks in charge.

This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.

It was always pretty obvious that Cristian Chivu had his work cut out for him as Inter Milan coach.

The Romanian replaced Simone Inzaghi following the latter’s controversial departure to join Al-Hilal.

Inzaghi had been Inter coach for four years. Therefore, he had really built the team in his own image.

Accordingly, Inzaghi’s decision to prioritize the mountain of cash on offer in Saudi Arabia naturally sent shockwaves through the Nerazzurri.

Not least considering his last match in charge was a humiliating shellacking at the hands of PSG in the Champions League final.

Cristian Chivu Straight Into The Deep End With Early Crisis At Inter Milan

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Cristian Chivu. Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

On the one hand, the circumstances of his arrival could mean there’s “nowhere to go but up” for Chivu at Inter.

Certainly, expectations were not tremendously high for the 44-year-old right away.

However, that certainly does not mean that it’s been a gentle beginning for Chivu.

The Romanian has immediately had to deal with a real dressing room crisis.

Comments by Inter captain Lautaro Martinez not-so-subtly imploring Hakan Calhanoglu to make up his mind and leave if he wants to join Galatasaray have upended the dressing room atmosphere.

That has, on the one hand, given Chivu an opportunity to prove that he can control the dressing room. Even in the most difficult moments.

However, by the same token, the Romanian coach is also facing early challenges to his authority.