Chivu praises character after Inter Milan win in Genoa

Cristian Chivu reflects on tactics, mentality, and criticism after the victory against Genoa

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu spoke to DAZN via Fcinter1908 microphones after the win against Genoa. These were his words:

“I like to talk about the match and what we did. It is never easy to come here because of the moment they are going through with De Rossi and the intensity they bring. I take the character shown in difficult moments and the three points.

Tactical choices, resilience, and a response to outside criticism

The substitutions of Mkhitaryan and Thuram? I make them based on the energy we have. 

I had chosen Bonny when it was 2–0, then I chose Marcus to add a bit of physical battle, speed, and structure. If we had needed to defend set pieces, he would have given us something extra.

We decided to take off Zielinski because of long balls, and we brought in De Vrij as a center-back and Akanji as a holding midfielder. 

With long balls they could have caused us problems since we had two midfielders who are not physically strong. I switched Bisseck and Akanji because of the booking. On the right they were developing less, while centrally they had one striker in the middle and the other more to the left. I chose to keep Akanji from dueling with them.

Reiterating that people were saying we were finished? It is our way of seeing things and accepting what is said. We are aware of what we are doing. These are words we often use among ourselves. We know how much the group cares and how important it is to always be there despite what is said.

We know how ‘loved’ Inter Milan are around Italy. We carry out our duty, we try to improve and have a good season. We fight against negativity and labels, moving forward with awareness and hard work. 

It always comes out, and it has always come out, thanks to the mentality and character this group has shown over the past couple of years.

Inter Milan the strongest team? Five months ago we were supposed to finish eighth because we were finished. We work to fulfill our duty. Consistency is needed in everything. We know what we have to do and how to do it.

A very important match awaits us in Riyadh. We are not looking beyond that. I always smile because life is always beautiful.”