Cristian Chivu refused to get carried away after Inter Milan’s 2-0 victory over Genoa extended their Serie A lead to thirteen points, insisting the Scudetto is far from won and praised MOTM Federico Dimarco as ‘at his best.’
Speaking to both Sky Sport and DAZN, the Inter head coach was measured, acknowledging the significance of the result while refusing to allow complacency to creep in.
The win was Inter’s eighth consecutive league victory and their sixteenth match in just over fifty days, and Chivu was keen to recognise the sheer physical and mental effort his squad continues to produce at a relentless pace.
“It was important, we knew the importance of these three points for the end of the season and for everything we have done in recent months,” he told Sky, via FCInterNews.
“I’ll take these three points. It was not simple against a healthy team that knows how to cause you problems. For us it was the sixteenth match in fifty-plus days. We had to find energy and give continuity to what we have done.”
Inter 2-0 Genoa – Chivu Focuses On Mental Recovery After champions League Exit
On DAZN, Chivu expanded on the mentality behind Inter’s consistency.
“We have to work, believe, and be aware that you can win or lose,” he said, with quotes again courtesy of FCInterNews.
“We want to be competitive, we have been for eight months but we suffered the Champions League elimination on the merit of the opponent. However, We regrouped.”
He also took a moment to enjoy the occasion, admitting he could not bring himself to watch either penalty go in.
“I didn’t even watch the one against Napoli, I want to hear the roar of San Siro,” he smiled.
“I enjoy this team and what they have done in recent years. Sometimes the narrative is different from reality. I am happy for them because they deserve it, they show things that are not simple to show.”
Inter 2-0 Genoa – Chivu: ‘The Scudetto Is Not Won Yet’
The question of the Scudetto was raised by both broadcasters, but Chivu batted it away firmly each time.
“The Scudetto is not won, there are 33 points to play for with important games ahead,” he said on Sky.
“We must continue to march as we have for these eight months, through the highs and lows, but above all giving continuity to what we have done in the last two and a half months.”
On DAZN, when asked whether the derby represents a match point, he was even more dismissive.
“I am thinking about Como. For me, Milan is too far away.”
Inter 2-0 Genoa – Chivu: ‘Dimarco At His Best, Bonny Tests Inconclusive’
Chivu was also asked about Federico Dimarco, who scored the opener and picked up the Player of the Match award.
The coach was effusive but quick to deflect credit onto the player himself.
“He is at his best, he makes an important contribution to our ambitions, as does the rest of the group,” he said on Sky.
On DAZN, he went further. “It is all his merit, I am not going to take the credit for his results. The players know our demands and put them into practice. The mentality and condition is their achievement. They know where they want to go, they give their soul every day and try to start from zero each morning. You always have to question yourself, it is never enough given what is created around Inter.”
On Marcus Thuram, Chivu pushed back against suggestions the Frenchman is struggling.
“I have four strikers with crazy numbers, in my opinion he has improved and the statistics say so. We are all happy with his work.”
The one area of genuine concern was Ange-Yoan Bonny, who appeared to pick up a knock during the match.
“I don’t know yet,” Chivu said on Sky.
On DAZN he was more candid, with a wry smile.
“The tests show nothing serious, but I don’t trust it anymore, they’ve told me a thousand times and I’ve had to wait a long time to have them back on the pitch. We’ll wait until tomorrow and hope it’s nothing serious.”
Barella and Thuram are out of form, doesn’t need to be sugarcoated and they should make way for others when their form is like this. I will put it on repeat, Di Marco has been in his best form ever, that being said, I don’t see this player in big matches.
No, I want Coppa. Because we have the best chance to win it since Milan, Napoli and Juventus are out. I’m not saying others, Como, Lazio and Atalanta are easy but, they are a bit easier than big guns.
For me, I don’t care about the Coppa Italia. Besides, the prize money isn’t worth it if there are more injuries. Just play Primavera, try whatever tactics you like, and focus on the league, if possible, to secure the Scudetto as quickly as possible.
yes play the boys or the u23 team got players too