Inter Milan face a demanding test to close out 2025 as they travel to Bergamo to take on Atalanta, with Cristian Chivu addressing the key issues in his final press conference of the year at the BPER Training Centre.
Asked what kind of match he expects, Chivu underlined Atalanta’s continuity and identity, with quotes via FCInterNews.
“It has always been a tough match regardless of the coach. They built something important with Gasperini and kept that identity. They are competitive and won the Europa League.
“Recently, under Palladino, they found consistency while keeping the same principles. It won’t be easy. Against Atalanta it never is, because of their intensity and vertical play.
“We need to be brave, win second balls, and be clinical because they won’t give you many chances.”
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On the transfer market, the Inter coach drew a firm line.
“There are five days until the window opens. For a coach it’s always difficult to talk about it, because it would mean disrespecting the players.
“A coach will never come here and say what is missing, because that would mean the 25 players available are not good enough.”
Reflecting on the year gone by, Chivu focused on collective growth.
“I don’t talk about myself, but about the team and the club. The first months were difficult because of how last season ended. We worked hard to get back on a competitive path.
“We are not perfect, but we are trying to improve things that can shape a season. A team with ambition must keep pushing every day.”
The coach rejected the idea that Inter lack edge in big matches.
“Every match is important. You can’t step onto the pitch thinking it will be easy.
“A team with ambition must dare, improve tactically and mentally, and not lose sight of courage.”
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On the right flank, Chivu defended Luis Henrique while keeping options open.
“Every player’s responsibility matters. Luis Henrique is judged for every small detail, but I have not seen him out of place at Inter. Dumfries is important, especially for goals, but we can’t judge Luis on goals alone. He needs time.”
He later added that Andy Diouf “gives us important ideas when he comes on, especially by taking on his man and attacking the goal.”
Regarding continuity and frustration, Chivu was clear.
“We must be stronger than frustrations or perceived injustices. We know what we lack and what we must add. We are working with determination, responsibility and courage, even stepping out of our comfort zone.”
He ruled out using Davide Frattesi on the right.
“No, never. We have thought of him only as a second striker to attack the box. Some things must stay in the dressing room. I don’t need to justify myself.”
On team news, Chivu confirmed key availability.
“Hakan Calhanoglu trained before the semi-final in Riyadh and is fine. He is available for tomorrow. Pepo gave good signs in Riyadh. We will see him again in January.”
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He also highlighted positives from Saudi Arabia.
“I’m not happy with how it went, but I saw a second half against Bologna with very high quality. Possession alone doesn’t win games. I want to add things, not take them away.”
Chivu reserved special praise for Aleksandar Stankovic.
“I’m extremely happy for him. I’m his first fan. He had the courage to leave home and grow. We watch him with interest because he is a product of our academy and has Inter colours in his blood.”
Finally, on the pressures of the Inter job, Chivu embraced them.
“It stimulates me. I’m not afraid of labels or distortions. I know who I am. My dignity is not for sale, and I will never change.”
I am not sure if we can blame the players,some may be to blame, but the bottomline is that the club has not brought in players of sufficient quality and have kept players not just over 30 but over 35 without securing adequate back up options.
When is Chivu and Marotta getting the sack?
Coach is not the problem, Marotta and some players are. Chivu is still has alot to improve but he’s good for us for now. Let’s see how the season goes.