Mourinho Calls Cristian Chivu ‘Like One Of My Children’ – Jokes ‘I Hope He Wins Everything At Inter Milan… But Not My Treble’ | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho says that Inter Milan coach and former defender Cristian Chivu is “like one of my children.”

Mourinho gave his thoughts on the Romanian to Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews. He also joked that while he hopes Chivu is successful, he doesn’t want his iconic Treble to be equalled.

Cristian Chivu took over as Inter Milan coach last month.

The 44-year-old arrived after the shock departure of Simone Inzaghi to chase big money at Al-Hilal.

Chivu has a huge job on his hands inheriting the project of Inzaghi at Inter.

And the Romanian does not have a great deal of senior coaching experience. Just a grand total of thirteen matches in charge of Parma over the second half of last season.

However, Chivu is someone who knows Inter inside and out. He was the coach of the Nerazzurri at various youth team levels, including three seasons in charge of the Primavera side.

Meanwhile, Chivu had also spent seven years as an Inter player, as well as playing for the likes of Roma and Ajax.

Chivu was a key part of the iconic Nerazzurri team that won the European Treble of the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League during the 2009-10 season.

That had been with Jose Mourinho as coach. And inevitably, the Portuguese was something of a mentor figure to Chivu.

Mourinho Calls Inter Coach Cristian Chivu “Like One Of My Children”

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Former Inter and current Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho called Cristian Chivu “one of my children.”

“He’s learned from his experience. Which has been enormous.”

“But now it’s different,” said Mourinho of Chivu stepping up to the senior Inter job. “It’s one thing to be a great player, and another to be a great coach.”

“Let’s hope that he manages to make that transition.”

Mourinho noted that Chivu “loves Inter.”

“And Inter loves him. He’s a fantastic guy. He has desire, courage, and personality.”

Then, Mourinho joked that “the only thing I hope is that he doesn’t win the Treble.”

“He can win the Champions League. The Scudetto.”

“But I’m selfish,” Mourinho admitted. “I would like for Inter to win the Champions League again, but never the Treble.”