Chivu: "It’s all about hard work and we want to stay at the top" | OneFootball

The 2025/26 sporting season officially kicks off, introduced at the BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile by President and CEO Giuseppe Marotta during the press conference held by Inter head coach Cristian Chivu.

The Nerazzurri coach answered questions from journalists gathered at the club’s training ground:

This will be your first official season as Inter head coach. After a unique summer that included the Club World Cup, with what mindset are you approaching this new chapter? And what are your expectations going into it? "We’re starting again with the right mindset to carry on as a competitive team; that's our goal. The expectations are the same as always, the same ones this club has had since its inception: to be competitive, to maintain loyalty and passion, and to achieve our objectives."

How much of an advantage is it to work with this group? "I think the way this group has performed over the past few years speaks for itself. A winning side that has fought for titles, reaching two Champions League finals and one Europa League final, shows the strength, solidity, and awareness of what this team can deliver."

Can you explain your tactical approach? How do you see Inter playing? "Formations are just numbers; it’s the tacticality that counts. We want to play aggressive, vertical football, with balance, and adapt to the different moments within a match and throughout the season."

What is Inter’s main ambition this year? Is there a focus on the league? "We never look to the past; we’re not seeking revenge. We focus on the present and the future. This team, despite its ups and downs, has been built to be at the top, and that’s where it must stay, regardless of the titles we win. We’ll always give everything to reach our goals, but of course, it’s the facts that count more than words. This club is united and determined to make its mark and remain at the top of Italian, European, and world football."

As a player, you played for a team that won everything and embodied critical values. What will you ask and demand of your players? "I ask for respect, for your teammates, for yourself, and for the Club you represent. That’s where everything starts: with integrity and the will to push through difficulties, even the toughest moments that are difficult to navigate. This group has already shown they can do that. You have to overcome obstacles because that’s the only way to grow. We experienced that in my time as well. You need to accept the highs and lows and work through them."

What’s the slogan for your Inter? "We don’t want to copy anyone, and we don’t need a slogan. We just need to work and stay competitive as we have in recent years."

Will Inter adapt its style depending on the opponent? "We want to be more flexible and unpredictable. The foundations are there, and the squad has players who can adapt to the different phases of a match."

How did you manage the aftermath of the Club World Cup with the team? "We spoke about what happened. That’s part of being a mature group that wants to win. Sometimes, you need a little extra clarity."

How long does it take for a player to work through a disappointment? "We’re an experienced and mature group, with strong personalities. We know how to handle uncomfortable situations and accept criticism both individually and collectively. Expectations for this team were very high, and things didn’t go as planned. Mentally, that takes a toll because there’s so much ambition to achieve something big. The good thing about football is that there’s always another match, another season, another chance to start again. What people say about us must become motivation to work harder and aim higher with more consistency."

What did you like about this team during the Club World Cup? "What I liked is that, despite limited energy and many disappointments, I saw a team that gave it their all to get results. The club made it clear to us from the start that expectations are always high and despite the weather, travel and challenges, I saw a group determined to do their best."

Is this squad complete, or does it still need something? "I'm always in contact with the Club to establish our market strategies and the direction we want to take this team in the future. We share the same vision and are always open to unexpected opportunities."

Do you accept that there’s a journey to be made? "That’s part of life, not just football. We know what Inter represents and what is expected of this club. It’s simple: sometimes you win immediately, sometimes you don’t. But in both cases, it’s a journey you need to embrace. Over the past few years, we’ve been at the top, and that remains our ambition, not just because I'm here now, but regardless of who would be coaching the squad"

You’ve worked with Leoni and Pio Esposito. What can you tell us about these two young players? "As people, they’re both remarkable. But to me, they represent the future of Italian football, and the fans will enjoy watching them for years to come with the national team. They will be part of Italy’s setup for a long time."

What are you enjoying about your role at the moment? "I like the responsibility that I've been given. In my life, I’ve always accepted responsibility and always tried to give my best to reach my personal goals. Coming back here is definitely a challenge. This club has given me so much, and it’s at the top of world football. I will do everything I can to live up to it and give something back to a club that has given me so much since 2007. Those are my ambitions: Inter has always been and always will be in my heart. I will do my best to give back something meaningful to the Club."

How long will it take for the team to take on board your ideas? "As a coach and former player, I believe that it’s the players who make the difference. The coach transmits ideas, but it’s what they do on the pitch that matters. I’ve never seen a great coach without great players."

What will Inter's midfield look like? "We have plenty of midfield depth with a lot of strong players. As the season goes on, we’ll see how we shape up: sometimes there will be three in midfield, other times two. The line-up will be chosen week by week, depending on who our opponent is. I’m glad Calhanoglu is healthy again. He worked very hard during the summer and is eager to bounce back. In the U.S., he was very disappointed, and while he tried to help the team, he picked up an injury again. He was desperate to return, so he worked hard during the holidays and also during today’s first training session."

Do you think your current midfielders can support a system with three forwards? "I’ve never said I would play with three forwards. When I mention numbers, that's all they are, numbers. Even in the past, it was the same: the base was 3-5-2, but our build-up changed depending on the situation. How we occupy space always depends on what the opponent allows. Systems can change, but they mean very little in the fluidity of a match. It's important to know how to interpret situations, be aggressive, break lines, and win duels. Those who win duels win matches. That’s our focus: to build an identity from day one, training with multiple systems so we’re not caught unprepared when unexpected situations arise during the season."

What difference can you make as coach? "I hope to make an impact with common sense, shrewdness, and a smile, so that we’re always well prepared for our next opponent. I’m also referring to my staff: we want to understand the players and keep an open dialogue with them. Sometimes people forget that we’re dealing with human beings who have their own thoughts and concerns. We need to understand their problems and how to address them. I strongly believe in communication and in what one person can offer to another. I appreciate this collaborative approach, and it's no coincidence that I spent six years in the youth sector. At first, I wasn't sure if I was ready for it; I had to learn empathy, to truly understand it. Then I had the chance to work with more mature players at Parma, and now again, with players I already know. I’m glad to see them here, and I’ve always admired the great champions in this squad."

Have your former teammates congratulated you? "I was asked this in the U.S. a while back, and the messages are always the same. It's always nice to receive them, not just from my former teammates: they’re happy for me, and I’m happy for them with what they’ve achieved after football. We’ve always supported each other. It was great to see Maicon in the States, as well as Pupi, who is always close to us, and all those who know this club so well and understand just how much they’ve contributed to its history."

After so many years, could starting as underdogs be an advantage? "I don't know about underdogs. There's only one way I know to have an advantage, and that's to work hard, give everything, and understand the culture of discipline and the difficulties of a season. Then you reap what you sow. It's not right to talk about underdogs: at the start of the season, many teams claim to want to win, but in the end, it's actions that count. To achieve results, you have to dig deep."