Carlos Augusto says that Inter Milan are “more vertical and aggressive” under Cristian Chivu than they were under Simone Inzaghi.
The Brazilian also said that the Nerazzurri “aren’t afraid to foul” speaking to the Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. He then had words of praise for Francesco Pio Esposito and Luis Henrique.
Inter Milan are still just a few weeks into the new era under Cristian Chivu.
The Romanian took over as Nerazzurri coach earlier this month after the shock departure of Simone Inzaghi, who left for the cash offered by Al-Hilal.
Naturally, Chivu has not had all that much time to really mould Inter in his own image.
The 44-year-old has therefore stuck with a similar formation to that which Inter used for four years under Inzaghi – and, prior to that, for two years under Antonio Conte.
Nevertheless, there are shifts in the Nerazzurri’s approach evident already. They have now played three matches under Chivu’s watch at the Club World Cup.
Carlos Augusto: “Inter Milan More Vertical & Aggressive” Under Cristian Chivu
Inter Milan wingback Carlos Augusto gave his insights on the transition under Chivu. “We haven’t had a lot of time to work in training,” he noted.
“But we know each other so deeply that it doesn’t take a lot for us to connect. Even if we make some changes.”
“The coach makes us feel good together,” Augusto declared.
“And he’s gradually bringing slightly different ideas than before,” the Brazilian international added.
“There’s more verticality when we win the ball back. More pressure when we lose possession. Maybe even a bit more of an edge, aggression.”
“That’s what you saw against River,” Augusto said.
“That’s also important. For us to fight without a fear of fouling,” the 26-year-old explained. “We’re trying to feel freer from that point of view as well, because we have the technique to make the difference.”
“Competition Not A Dirty Word” With Dimarco – Pio Esposito “Mature Enough To Handle The Pressure”
Meanwhile, Augusto said he has an “excellent relationship” with fellow left-wingback Federico Dimarco.
“‘Competition’ and ‘rivalry’ aren’t dirty words,” said the Brazilian. “This is Inter, and we need plenty of left-footed players.”
“In fact, we’re a beautiful community. Fede, Bastoni, and me. And we also have Acerbi at the back.”
And then, Augusto noted that teenage striker Francesco Pio Esposito is “mature enough that he protects himself from the pressure.”
“We just need the right amount of pressure with him. Not burdening him with too much responsibility.”
“You can’t expect that he has to score every match now,” Augusto said of Pio Esposito.
Meanwhile, Augusto joked about his new teammate Luis Henrique that “I read somewhere that he’s the more ‘Brazilian’ Brazilian, and I’m a bit more Swiss.”
“Maybe that’s the case,” the former Monza wingback said. “But we’re both proud of where we come from.”
“And let’s give Luis time. He has the possibility to become a great player. A true Brazilian in fact.”
Being afraid of a yellow card is what resulted in PSG demolishing Inter because players were thinking a yellow card would mean second half sub instead of actually fighting to get the ball. Winning the ball while pressing higher is what allowed so many attacking teams get results like Bayern and Barcelona while for Inter losing the ball means everyone goes back behind the ball and let the opponent lose it which meant Inter were at the mercy of the opposition which resulted in a LOT of conceded goals in final minutes of matches
Yep agree with this. I always supported inzaghi, but one of my gripe with him is, IMO how he made the team so “soft”. I feel everyone is being extra careful even doing a simple tackle, afraid of fouling or being dribbled past.