Chivu: ‘Honoured by Inter, enthusiasm and passion are key’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu is ‘honoured’ to be named the new Inter coach, insisting he will bring ‘ambition and passion’ to the club once again, starting from the Club World Cup.

The Romanian returns to San Siro after his time there as a player from 2007 to retirement in 2014, then started his coaching career from 2018 in their youth academy until 2024.

He branched out for the first time on his own in February 2025, leading Parma to Serie A safety, and now takes over from Simone Inzaghi until June 2027.

PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Parma Calcio, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I am honoured by this role handed to me. I have the same ambition and passion that I had before, so I will try to pass that on to the squad,” Chivu told Inter TV.

“We must do what a team like Inter has to, which is to go all the way, challenge for trophies, and we are ready to do all of it.”

When he was asked what he will plan for the new campaign, Chivu had to point out that Inter have a match coming up next week in the Club World Cup.

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

“We must first of all finish the current season, because it is not over yet. We need to be thoughtful, passionate and ambitions to obtain certain results. We need to be efficient and effective.

“The Club World Cup is coming up, so the season is not over. We want to accomplish what a team like Inter is capable of in this competition, which is to go all the way and try to win the trophy.”

Chivu high hopes for Club World Cup

The former defender was always a leader on the pitch and off it, so these are qualities he also hopes to bring to his role as coach of Inter.

“These are crucial factors, being thoughtful is another. It is important to have the right ambition and be passionate about what you are doing, as these give the squad self-esteem and belief. We need to work on these to make sure we get the chance to obtain certain results.”

PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Parma Calcio, gestures during 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)

Parma was the first real senior management role for Chivu, who oversaw three Serie A wins, seven draws and three defeats to steer them away from the threat of relegation.

“I believed in it a great deal and then did all I could, until I was firmly convinced of what we could achieve. The ambition and the desire to do well all helped, while the club trusted me, and the players stepped onto the pitch with the same objective in mind.”

Does Chivu have a message to the Inter fans after four years of Inzaghi’s reign?

“We need everyone’s contribution, to believe, be enthusiastic about a season that has not yet concluded and look to the next with a lot of positivity.”