Chivu: ‘Inter can dream freely, proved era was not over’
Cristian Chivu wants people to evaluate ‘the entire campaign’ and not just the recent surge, as Inter visit Torino with eyes on the Double. ‘The narrative was that this team’s era had ended.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
The Nerazzurri are on track for the Double, as they went into this round 12 points clear at the top of the table and into the Coppa Italia Final against Lazio.
They achieved the latter by fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Como 3-2 in the semi-final at San Siro.
Chivu preparing for Inter party
“I want to see the same attitude as always, trying to bring home the result tomorrow, aiming to be dominant and understanding the key moments of the game,” said Chivu in his press conference.
Even though Napoli beat Cremonese 4-0 last night to close the gap a little big temporarily, Inter are effectively just waiting to let the Scudetto celebrations rip.
“We’re relaxed and know the hard work we’ve already done, as well as the fact that we still need points to finish the job. We’re getting closer to what is both one of our objectives and a dream.”
It seemed only a few weeks ago that people suggested Inter were in crisis after losing the Scudetto showdown with rivals Milan, but they’ve been pretty much unstoppable ever since.
“I talk about the entire campaign, because even going into the break for international duty, we still had a big advantage at the top. We had some results that were below expectations at that time, yet were six 6-7 points clear,” insisted Chivu.
“We did well to get the results against Roma and Como, albeit aware of the difficulties, and now are in a position that allows us to dream freely.
“Everyone talks about what happened lately, but the last four matches are not everything, there is an entire season to evaluate. I would talk about a side that score 78 goals, always tried to put in good performances, and has become more effective.
“The days when the best defence always won the title are long gone, or that only the head-to-head results made a real difference. Football is different now, more dynamic, it’s about how you press, the intensity, accepting duels and knowing you might leave gaps uncovered.
“We all saw Bayern Munich 4-3 Real Madrid, football is taking a different form where everything moves quicker, and we must adapt.”
The coach had complained that people expected more of Inter than any other side, but that is because they have for years had the strongest squad on paper in Italy.
Despite that situation, they still rarely managed to crown it with a Scudetto title.
“In recent years, this team has always been competitive on all fronts. When you are the coach of Inter, you have big objectives, the club has built something important here,” continued Chivu.
“The players have shown how competitive they can be in recent years, so we are obliged to be competitive.
“When I arrived, the narrative depicted was that this team was at the end of an era, but they were reborn and found the motivation to be what they always had been.
“It is not a fluke that we are top of the table and in the Coppa Italia Final. We should’ve done better in the Champions League, but I take responsibility for that. I am proud of these lads, I love them to death. Choosing a young coach was a risk, but I always said things to their faces, and they know what our ambitions are.”
Alessandro Bastoni has been left out for the last few games, as he has been struggling with a recurring fitness issue since before the World Cup play-offs.
“Bastoni is doing better, he still feels pain, but is gritting his teeth. He managed to take the time to do fitness work and treatment, which allow him to move more freely. He trained with the team today, so we’ll see. Lautaro Martinez should be back next week.”
Petar Sucic is in doubt after suffering a triple fracture to his hand, but has been able to play with a protective cast.