Cristian Chivu insists his Inter Milan side knows how to approach matches like the one against Arsenal.
Speaking to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old also hailed his starting wingback, Federico Dimarco.
The stakes are at an all-time high ahead of Arsenal’s visit to San Siro tomorrow.
Indeed, after starting the Champions League with four straight wins, Inter have lost their last two league phase matches.
Liverpool and Atletico Madrid beat the Nerazzurri by a narrow one-goal margin, leaving their top-eight hopes in tatters.
Furthermore, Cristian Chivu is still waiting for his first ‘big game’ win in charge of the 20-time Serie A champions.
However, a potential win tomorrow would erase the memory of all previous failures.
It would also bring Inter one step closer toward locking down automatic qualification for the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Inter can draw confidence from beating Arsenal at home in last season’s Champions League.
Yet, Hakan Calhanoglu, who scored a winner in that match, will not be available for selection on Tuesday.
Inter Milan Coach Cristian Chivu Is Not Afraid of Arsenal
With the 31-year-old midfielder in the pits, there’s an outside chance for Davide Frattesi to make a rare start this season.
“I’ve always said,” Chivu started. “I have twenty-two players available, all fundamental for the group and the team, for my choices and for what we want to be this season.”
Then, he confirmed his men have what it takes to beat Arsenal.
“I already said this after Udine as well,” he added. “For me, Arsenal and Bayern are the strongest teams in Europe right now.
“That doesn’t mean we’re starting defeated.
“We’ll try to play our game and do our best in understanding what the opponent gives us and makes us endure. And I repeat, we’ll be the best version of what we are.”
Moreover, Chivu heaped praise on visiting manager Mikel Arteta.
“From other coaches, there’s always something to learn because he’s a football enthusiast who watches matches, tries to understand the reasons behind certain things, and takes what he thinks is right to apply to his own team.
“He’s a strong, talented coach with big ambitions in a club that also has big ambitions. And surely, he will want to finish the year with a win.”
Finally, he delivered his verdict on Dimarco’s remarkable form.
“Dimarco teaches me certain things. Since he’s better than me.”
Dimarco is a good player but Chivu was way better
I don’t get why so much hate for Dima, Chivu was better defensively, but definitely not in attack. In the last 30 years of the modern football history, probably one of the best attacking lb/lwb ever, top 10, 15 for sure.
Because so many teams have suffered from him 🙂