Along with Andrea Stramaccioni at the customary press conference on the eve of the match was Cristian Chivu, who in an interview yesterday with Sky Sport Italia had stated that the team’s problems have come because they have been struggling to play football.
“It was a sentence taken out of context, which is something I don’t like,” said the defender sitting next to the Inter coach. “I take responsibility for what I say, but I don’t like it when words are used to create a conflict between the team and the coach. It’s fine to talk about me, but not the team. I said the coach was giving his all but that wasn’t reported. My interview was honest. I said what I felt, and I’d say it again now: we need to work hard and follow the coach, who is doing his best. I don’t have to clarify anything. It was just one newspaper that reported things I didn’t say. I forgot to name the medical staff in yesterday’s interview when listing who is responsible for the team’s problems? It’s true, but when talking about Inter I mean everyone. All of us who are part of the club. Everyone is aware that it’s our responsibility, from the players to the coaches to the medical staff. So we have to go forward from here. I meant all of us.”
The discussion then turned to tomorrow evening’s game against Tottenham: “We have confidence in what we can do and have to do. Every game is different, with its own story and moments. We know we have 90 minutes to play well. We’ll try to get a win and go through because it’s something that gives you confidence and courage for the upcoming games. We also have to take on our responsibilities and move forward together.”
According to Chivu there’s no point in dwelling on past achievements: “If we talk about those things we’ll never achieve our goals for the future. Our past victories are part of those stories that you tell your grandchildren, that will stay in the fans’ hearts. But now our current goals are what matter. Enough with the past. We’ve said thanks where it’s been necessary, but now is not the time to have memories on our minds. This Inter side is growing. We have a new coach and many youngsters, some of whom are still in their teens. We’ll put the past behind us.”
Finally, when asked what he’d be willing to do in the case of a dramatic comeback tomorrow night, Chivu stated: “Should it happen it would be something very important for our self-esteem and courage. It would be a great point that we could restart from.”
Source: Inter.it
