Chivu’s composed triumph as Inter Milan rise with renewed conviction

A night at San Siro that confirmed Cristian Chivu’s authority without needing any personal duels

Cristian Chivu is right not to push too hard on that particular point. Inter Milan–Como was certainly a kind of personal payback for him, the ultimate proof of how justified the decision to hand him the Inter Milan bench this summer really was. 

But he didn’t need to beat Fàbregas, the man initially chosen for the job, to solidify a position that was already rock-solid.

The ninety minutes last match offered far more than a duel between the two managers. 

Chivu’s quality shines on its own, thanks to the path that has returned the team to performing at a certain level. 

Among the many bright notes is his personal satisfaction too, of course, but don’t expect him to admit it. By now we know him well: he won’t expose himself to that kind of speculation.

His post-match conference slid along the familiar rails of coherence. Praise for the team’s performance, a blend of reward for the result and reprimand for wasting chances and failing to break through the wall of perfection in certain phases. 

That’s how it works. It’s the first chapter in the coaching psychology handbook he metaphorically keeps under his pillow each night: always temper the atmosphere, avoiding both euphoria and despair depending on the outcome.

“I’m not chasing reputation,” he replied when someone tried to drag him onto the terrain of comparison with the Spanish coach. He didn’t flinch, sidestepping the question with perfect control.

What matters most to him is staying true to himself. He combines the awareness and ambition of a champion with the practicality earned over decades in this world. 

He knows very well that whatever happens today can be overturned tomorrow. Best to enjoy the moment and focus on improving each time. Which is exactly what he has done since arriving at Inter Milan.

He provided a solid foundation from which to restore credibility to a team shaken by the end of last season. 

A victory built on balance, clarity and a team reborn

He will enjoy the top spot for a few more hours at least. Without grand illusions, because the upcoming curves are still many. But in the meantime he has broken another taboo, one that may or may not be highlighted properly. Last night’s match was, in every sense, a victory in a direct clash.

A fierce roar against a team that arrived at San Siro only three points behind. They dreamed of an upset; they ended up crumbling. 

Partly because their style of football clearly favors Inter Milan, but also because the Nerazzurri have once again reached the apex of their potential.

Source: Fcinter1908