Chivu: ‘Opportunity’ to see new Inter signings against CF Monterrey | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu has given his first pre-match press conference as head coach of Inter, ahead of the team’s first match of the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off against CF Monterrey in the early hours of Wednesday morning on European time (02.00 BST).

Chivu, who replaced Simone Inzaghi as head coach of the Nerazzurri after the Champions League final loss against PSG, addressed a number of topics, including the availability of his two new signings, the condition of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, while also revealing everything he knows about upcoming opponents Monterrey.

Click here to read more about Inter’s upcoming clash with CF Monterrey.

Chivu: ‘Opportunity to see new signings at work’

Official: Inter announce signing of Luis Henrique from Olympique de Marseille.

The Nerazzurri head coach began with a brief introduction and an update on his two new signings, Petar Sucic and Luis Henrique, who are both part of the squad for the Club World Cup in the United States.

“Good evening again. The team has worked well, we’ve been working fully for two days,” Chivu said, reported via fcinternews.it. “Obviously there are some problems, some aches and some pains, but it’s nothing particularly serious.

“The newcomers have done a good job. Luis Henrique is a little behind in his condition because he had a few more weeks’ of holiday. Petar (Sucic) has come straight here from the national team, he’s had a few more training sessions with us. You will definitely see them, we will have the opportunity to see them at work, either from the start or during the game.”

Chivu on Inter tactics and principles

Official: Inter appoint Cristian Chivu as head coach (via www.inter.it)

Chivu was also asked about the potential tactics and formation he could use during his time in charge of the Nerazzurri, and whether he will stick with Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 given that he used a similar shape during his time at Parma.

“I think, in Italy, we’re too tied to what systems and modulus are used,” Chivu replied.

“What matters is the principle of play, which is more important than any game system. Obviously Inter have benefited from this system of play in recent years, however, the most important thing is having the principles that has allowed them to achieve some important results.

“You can never lose the principles, you need a lot of fluidity, a lot of mobility, a lot of asymmetry. But this team has always had principles. We will try to add a little more, it’s obvious that it’s not going to be easy. We need time before preparing for this match, but we will probably see something as early as tomorrow.”

Chivu was then asked about how he plans to help the team bounce back from their last competitive match: The 5-0 loss against PSG in the Champions League final.

epa12148192 Players of Inter look disappointed as they greet their supporters after losing the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale Milano in Munich, Germany 31 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FILIP SINGER

He responded: “We can’t think about the past, because we can’t change that. We have to think that this is the end of the 2024-25 season, and that this is a competition that must be honoured for a team like Inter. You have to come here and be the best version of what this team is.

“We can’t look for excuses or alibis about physical condition, just as we can’t look at their mental condition. We are ready, we have tried to work hard over the last few days, to create a tea with mental and physical sharpness that will allow us to have some good performances.”

There was also a fitness update on Inter’s go-to centre-forwards, Lautaro and Thuram: “They’re both fine. They’ve done this ten-day journey with the national team, and we’ve left them with just a few days of rest.

TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 26: Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale look dejected as Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus scores the team’s first goal during the Serie A TIM match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at on November 26, 2023 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“Lautaro immediately joined us here in America immediately after his national team duties. Marcus had a few more days of rest because he played in the second game for his national team. And we will see them in this tournament, too.

Chivu also explained everything that he knows about opponents Monterrey: “I know coach Torrent, and of course Sergio Ramos needs no introduction. We’ve played against each other a couple of times if I’m not mistaken. I know Canales, I know Ocampos, they are players who have had careers in Europe.

“It’s a team that has some experience, a team that has a certain identity, and it is definitely a good team because it’s participating in this competition, and it’s a team that will definitely have ambitions.”