Cristian Chivu showed two very different sides of his leadership after Inter Milan’s unconvincing 2-1 victory over Kairat Almaty in midweek.

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, inside the dressing room, the Romanian coach made his frustration crystal clear.

In front of the cameras, however, he chose to protect his players and take full responsibility.

Witnesses described Chivu gesticulating furiously on the touchline, visibly more agitated than usual.

In the dressing room, he continued the tirade, criticising his players’ attitude, focus, and failure to take control of the match.

The coach reminded them that he had warned about complacency before kick-off, yet saw the same warning signs repeated.

Angry Chivu Defends Players In Public After Inter 2-1 Kairat

Cristian Chivu Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Having vented his frustration, Chivu reportedly stepped outside for a cigarette, before facing the media, where his tone shifted completely.

“The responsibility is mine,” he admitted to reporters.

“Evidently I didn’t manage to give the right motivation. For me, it’s a lesson.”

That, Corriere notes, is Chivu’s style: never attack players in public, but demand accountability in private.

The coach has now called for a firm response in Sunday’s clash with Lazio, insisting on “focus and determination” to erase the memory of two underwhelming wins, against Verona and Kairat, that followed a stronger showing versus Fiorentina.

With tension rising in the camp, Chivu expects Inter to rediscover their sharpness and mentality in time for a crucial test at San Siro.