🔥 Chivu: "Inter are tired but I want more, here’s my take! On Pio..." | OneFootball

In Seattle, Cristian Chivu answered journalists' questions at a press conference, on the eve of Inter's second commitment to the Club World Cup.

The Nerazzurri coach took stock of the team's condition and presented the challenge against Urawa Red Diamonds, also talking about possible innovations in view of the match.

How do you approach the match against Urawa Red Diamonds and what opponent do you expect? - "Before thinking about tomorrow's game, we must consider that we are at the end of the season: the team has been playing intense games for over nine months. We will need to find the right energy to face a very tactically organized opponent, with great technique and a roster composed of European and South American players. It will be a complicated game, like all games at this level."

How is Pio Esposito and when can he take the field? - "I have known Pio since he was just 13 and a half years old: we have grown up together, I have trained him and he was my captain in the Primavera team. In the last two years in Serie B, he has gained experience, he has matured a lot both physically and humanly. He has done two training sessions with us: we will evaluate whether to use him from the start or during the game."

What will be the key aspect of tomorrow's match and which Urawa players do you appreciate? - "The second game of the group is always crucial, especially based on the results already obtained. I really appreciate Japanese football for its order and discipline. Urawa are well-placed on the field and technically very valid. I like Gustafson: he has good technical and physical qualities."

What do you take away from the match against Monterrey? - "The team showed pride and a good reaction. However, in building the game, we were a bit slow. I would like more speed in the maneuver and more cynicism in front of the goal."

Are you thinking of any changes to the lineup? - "We are not in a summer retreat, so it's not the time to remove certainties from a team that already has its own identity. There are evolved elements, accustomed to being on the field in a certain way. Then it depends on how the roles are interpreted, especially in the middle of the field."

Tell us about your relationship with Yuto Nagatomo? - "Yuto is a friend, we have a deep bond and many beautiful memories. I'm happy he's still playing and I'm glad to have news from him. I've often talked about him in Parma, with Zion Suzuki."

How much does the change of city and climate, from Los Angeles to Seattle, affect preparation? - "In Los Angeles, we were fine, training at the UCLA campus. Here in Seattle, we found an excellent facility. Yes, it's colder, but it doesn't change much for us: we're here to play. A big thank you goes to those who have made such beautiful facilities available to us."

What do you dream for your Inter of the future? - "Every coach wants a dominant team, capable of expressing its maximum technical potential, controlling the game and always having clear ideas. We also want to follow this path: it will take time, but we will try to do it already from tomorrow."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

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