Chivu: “We must rise again after this derby defeat”

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu reflects on the derby loss to AC Milan and urges his team to manage frustration and stay united

Cristian Chivu, Inter Milan’s coach, spoke to DAZN via Fcinter1908 after the defeat in the derby against AC Milan. Here are his words:

“We didn’t concede counterattacks, knowing they could put us in difficulty: the only time we lost a second ball, they went through on goal and scored. 

Football is like this, but I’ll take the good performance. The boys tried until the end despite the disappointment and frustration: they tried in every possible way, and this is the spirit I want to see.

Then, when you lose a derby and it’s the fourth defeat, it becomes a bit too much — but fortunately we are still there, we must stay attached, loosen these disappointments and manage frustration well, because losing a match like this can leave a mark."

Chivu: “We win and lose together, no finger-pointing”

"Yann Sommer? I don’t do that kind of analysis. I know what we create and the risks we take. I don’t single out individuals, it wouldn’t be right: for me, my players are the best. I see how they work every day and how they try to give their maximum. 

I will never stand here pointing the finger at someone, because when you do that, it smells like failure — and I don’t want to create that or look for excuses. 

We’re all in this together, for better or worse. We could have done better, unlocked the game, managed moments more effectively: we have the duty to stand back up.

Counterattacks? Because of our characteristics, we’re forced to attack with many players, and that exposes us to transitions. 

But today we conceded only one counterattack, and it was fatal. In the first 12 matches we’ve conceded little considering the risks we take. 

We need to improve, sense danger better, commit a few more fouls, and take a few more yellow cards.

Lautaro? He’s fine. Why did he come off? Why? Am I not allowed to change players? It was my technical choice: those on the bench deserve credit for contributing. It was my decision.”