Inter Milan win but Chivu demands more: “We must raise our focus”

Despite the victory and third place in the Champions League group, San Siro felt no celebration Chivu furious over Inter Milan’s complacency

Inter Milan may have won and secured third place in the Champions League super group, but there was little reason to celebrate at San Siro. 

The 2-1 result over Kairat Almaty felt more like a warning than a triumph. Coach Cristian Chivu, visibly disappointed, reproached his players for their careless approach and mental lapses during a match that should have been handled with far greater authority.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908 reports, “After the hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Kazakh underdogs, Inter Milan’s coach addressed the team for several minutes, expressing his frustration over the performance.” The locker room, far from cheerful, received a clear message: this is not enough. Two narrow, uncomfortable wins in a row have made Chivu’s discontent impossible to hide.

“I take responsibility”: Chivu challenges Inter Milan to change mentality

Chivu “put his face on it,” as Italian papers noted, taking full ownership of the situation.

“It’s my job to work harder, not the players’. I must find the right words and raise our attention level. I take this responsibility.” He reportedly told his squad after delivering a stern dressing-room speech.

The coach focused on approach and mentality. Even Carlos Augusto and Dimarco admitted they had “underestimated Kairat,” who travelled from Kazakhstan to play the match of their lives. 

Chivu’s message was unmistakable: he wants a fighting Inter Milan, not a complacent one — especially in games that seem easy on paper. He demanded less superficiality and sharper focus from every individual.

The key word of the night was “frenzy.” Chivu repeated it in the press conference, explaining that the entire team — not just Lautaro — had played in a rushed, anxious way.

“We were too frenetic,” he said. “I’ll take the three points, but I’m only half-happy.”

Now Inter Milan must quickly shift their mindset: the next challenge, against Lazio — their traditional nemesis — will require calm, discipline, and the kind of attention Chivu has been preaching since the start of his tenure.