Chivu has no time for ‘catchphrases’ as new Inter coach insists it all starts with respect | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu has insisted “we want to work, not throw around catchphrases” as he settles in at new club Inter, as the head coach says “I demand and ask for respect, for teammates, for oneself and for the club.”

Speaking at a press conference, with quotes via Gazzetta.it, Chivu said he wants an “aggressive team – I’ll make my mark with common sense, grit, anger, even smiles. I’ll try to understand the players. People often forget we’re dealing with men, or young guys, who might be going through things.”

Chivu took over as head coach at Inter this summer when Simone Inzaghi left the Nerazzurri for Saudi club Al-Hilal. Chivu joins the club from fellow Serie A outfit Parma, where the Romanian spent six months, keeping the Gialloblu in Italy’s top flight.

Leoni and Pio Esposito ‘the future of Italian football’ – Chivu

Whilst Chivu dodged specifics on the transfer market, “The club and I are constantly in contact, defining strategies and who we’d like to have with us. We are always open to opportunities,” the Romanian did have some words of praise for Inter-linked Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05:Giovanni Leoni of Parma Calcio in action during the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Chivu coached the 18-year-old whilst at Parma and also worked with Inter youngster Francesco Pio Esposito in the Nerazzurri youth set-up, hailing the duo as “both something special, as people too. They will be the future of Italian football and you’ll enjoy watching them in the national team for years to come.

“In the end, it is always about the players. A coach brings ideas and identity but the most important part is the players. I’ve never seen a good coach succeed without talent – never have, never will.”

Inter ‘want to work, not throw around catchphrases’ – Chivu

Chivu also spoke about the work ethic and demands he is setting for the club: “I demand and ask for respect – for teammates, for oneself and for the club. Everything starts there. From integrity and the will to overcome everything, even atrocities. Once you have learned that, you move forward.

“We don’t want to copy anyone. We want to work, not throw around catchphrases. We want to be competitive like in recent years. This club has always been at the top and we want to stay there.

“I want a side that can adapt to different game situations. In the U.S., I saw a squad that gave it all despite spending three weeks in a hotel and dealing with the heat. I saw a group that always wanted to do well.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Finally, the Romanian was asked whether Inter are favourites for the title, to which he replied “I don’t talk about that stuff. I have only one way forward: work.”