Cristian Chivu Singles Out Two Top Performers After Monterrey 1-1 Inter Milan Club World Cup Draw – Adds ‘Here’s What We Could’ve Done Better’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu feels that Sebastiano Esposito and Luis Henrique did well in today’s Club World Cup draw with Monterrey.

The new Nerazzurri coach gave his thoughts to Italian broadcaster DAZN after the match, via FCInterNews. He also outlined aspects that Inter can improve upon.

Inter Milan faced Monterrey in their first match of the Club World Cup group stage.

The Nerazzurri dominated possession, and created a number of good chances against the Mexican side. However, they were far from clinical with the dangerous situations they had.

On the other hand, Monterrey were able to fashion a number of decent chances. Particularly on the counterattack and from set pieces.

Therefore, Inter kicked off their Club World Cup campaign by settling for a point. Sergio Ramos opened the scoring for Monterrey, before Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez responded with the equalizer.

Both of those goals came before halftime. Then, in the second half neither of the two teams was able to get on the scoresheet again.

This match was also the beginning of a new era for Inter. It was the first with Cristian Chivu as coach after the departure of Simone Inzaghi.

Cristian Chivu: “Esposito & Henriquew Did Well” Vs Monterrey

PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Parma Calcio, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and Bologna at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 22, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

In his first match as Inter coach, Cristian Chivu started Sebastiano Esposito. The 22-year-old is back from a loan with Empoli, and the Romanian gave him a chance in the lineup.

Meanwhile, the Romanian also handed Luis Henrique his Inter debut as a second half substitute.

Chivu said after the match that “we had a good first, even though we went behind.”

“We caused problems for them with our rotations. We could have attacked in behind their defense better, and not been caught offside.”

Chivu then noted that “in the second half, we were a bit slower in possession.”

“We created a few chances. But we lacked a bit of cutting edge in front of goal.”

Meanwhile, Chivu said that striker Sebastiano Esposito “played at the level of the team as a whole.”

‘They tried to play against a deep block that left us offside a lot. It wasn’t easy. But he played well.”

And then, Chivu stated that Luis Henrique “can do better,”

“But he’s not in condition yet. Because he’s only had two training session, and taking that into account I liked what I saw from him.”

Chivu stated that Henrique “has personality, and technique.”

“He has courage, and the ability to take players on one-on-one.”