Chivu: ‘Parma short on confidence and make too many errors’ | OneFootball

Parma coach Cristian Chivu saw ‘too many mistakes’ from his players in the 1-0 defeat to Udinese and wants to help build their ‘confidence.’

The tactician came in for sacked Fabio Pecchia and won his debut, beating Bologna 2-0, but that performance was not replicated at the Bluenergy Stadium this evening.

Florian Thauvin successfully converted a penalty that had been awarded for the clumsy Botond Balogh handling offence.

“We suffered their physicality and had prepared it differently, we struggled to get out of our half, made too many technical errors,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“It was better after the break, we created a few chances, but continued to make too many mistakes and those were down to tension. I saw a reaction, some character and the desire to get back on track. We also added another striker, Pellegrino was having only his second Serie A game and did pretty well.

“We must keep working and build confidence in our capabilities.”

Chivu tries to inspire Parma players

UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 01: Matteo Cancellieri of Parma and Hassane Kamara of Udinese in action during the Serie A match between Udinese and Parma at Stadio Friuli on March 01, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Considering his experience at the highest level of club football as a player with Inter, how can Chivu advise the players at Parma?

“I am working with young lads who need these matches to gain experience in Serie A. We need to clean up some of the moves, find that calm and confidence to show me what they do in training, translating that to a match situation. We need to simplify everything and I am sure that we’ll slowly emerge from this moment.”

Pecchia was praised for the style of his Parma approach, but it often left them open at the back to concede cheap goals. Chivu seems to be focused more on defensive solidity and insists this is inevitable when they are battling against relegation.

“Our objective is to stay in the top flight, but how we will do that is yet to be seen. I am trying to pass on some confidence and obviously our style of football is suffering, because when you feel uncertain and are young, it is not easy to react.

“We need to start picking up points, try to get out of this situation, then we can see other qualities on the pitch.”