Antonio Cassano has high expectations for new Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu despite his unenviable start at San Siro.
Speaking on Twitch at Viva el Fútbol via FCInter1908, the former striker praised the Romanian’s managerial skills.
Inter Milan appointed Cristian Chivu as the new head coach in June.
Indeed, after failing to land Cesc Fabregas, they turned to the 44-year-old to replace Simone Inzaghi.
Though his appointment raised a few eyebrows, the ex-defender impressed on his touchline debut in Serie A.
A 5-0 rout of Torino revived optimism among the Nerazzurri faithful, only for the next two matches to bring Inter back down to earth.
Following a lackluster 2-1 home loss to Udinese, Inter slumped to a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat at Juventus.
Moreover, the San Siro giants dropped points from winning positions on both occasions.
However, Cassano believes Chivu can still succeed at Inter.
Antonio Cassano Hails Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu
“Chivu will become a fantastic coach,”Cassano admitted. “I like his idea of football, the way he speaks and understands the game.
“He will become a top coach. He had also made his point by insisting on Lookman at all costs, and the club was about to satisfy him.
“Because with Lookman, he would have played a different kind of football, but then the club went after other profiles and brought in Diouf, the youngster.
“You can’t take prisoners and I’ll be specific.
“Inter must play in a 4-2-3-1. Akanji and De Vrij in the middle, Carlos Augusto and Dumfries on the wings. De Vrij in 2014 was one of the top three defenders of the World Cup.
“Bastoni out, because he keeps making mistakes one after another. He used to be one of my protégés, but first you need to know how to mark, how to move, then if you can also play football you’re a top player – and Bastoni is not.
“Calhanoglu should have been sold, but if he stays, he is decisive for Inter. He laid it all on the line, the other day he made the difference, a fantastic match.
“Calhanoglu and Sucic in midfield, Luis Henrique on the right, Thuram on the left a bit sacrificed.
“Zielinski as the attacking midfielder, he’s the only one who can really do something, behind Lautaro.
“Leave out Dimarco, Mkhitaryan, unpopular choices must be made.
“Bastoni, sit down, out. Barella hasn’t been producing for two years, you earn 7 million euros, sit down.
“Bastoni sit down, Dimarco sit down, that way you can revitalize the group. If things go well you can put them back in. Otherwise we’ll see again the 3-5-2 of the other one.
“But let’s not forget that after the 5-0 against Torino everyone said it was spectacular football, and now they’ve all jumped off the bandwagon.
“Chivu is a fantastic coach, if I were advising him I’d tell him this: use the 4-2-3-1 to change something.
“He must be credible. Lautaro, you arrived Friday, you’re tired? Fine, I’ll put you on for the last 30 minutes.
“Marotta, instead of just giving interviews and then leaking stuff, shouldn’t play the shell game.
“Inter don’t have dribblers, they don’t have players who solve problems in midfield. Sucic and Diouf are for the future, but if Mkhitaryan keeps playing…
“Then there’s also the Frattesi question. Everybody wanted him, you kept him, and I haven’t seen him in these games.
“The club hasn’t helped Chivu evolve his ideas, he has few alternatives.
“Does he want to play more directly? On the wings, there’s Luis Henrique, who can play wide, if he has courage, he can pull himself out of trouble.
‘Otherwise he’ll struggle – but I continue to believe he’s good.”
Un’ Inter tutta italiana…Bravi !
For once, I actually agree with a lot of what Cassano has said…. I’ve been saying myself that Chivu needs to make brave decisions, and get away from Inzaghis 11, if he wants to put his own stamp on the team, and not get sacked!! I think most of us would love to see a back 4, and even if only for a few games, players like Martinez, Barella and Bastoni definitely need a kick up the arse!! We saw the choice to start Augusto in a game that requires a more defensive wing back- Chivu needs to do this and more to succeed….
Hmmmmm
I agree with Cassano that Barella and Bastoni hasn’t been playing well, but I think they still are the best options we’ve got. Also you have to understand that Bastoni and Barella have weak teamates who is not able to help them in tough situations. Get these players the teammates they need. Susic is great but we need a defensive mid and a defender. Regarding the formation, we do need to change to a 4 back.
Well done sir,well said – you took this from my mouth. i hv been saying these to myself for a long time, change of the old gaurd inrespectve their status at the club; it is time to move on and be too emotional towards italians players. liverpool play at the back ;dribblers on wings – they score goals and are also solid at the back. for starters, this unpopular step will go a long way in solving the present issues and lookman or any strong creative player can come jan transfer.