Chivu: "I was looking for a response, and I saw a team playing with awareness"

“It was important to win and respond after the defeat in Naples. We needed to make a statement and keep moving forward on our path. It was a good, mature performance where we were able to disrupt their shape. In the first half, we were a little too fancy and lacked aggression, but we managed to break the deadlock in the second half. A team like Inter has both the obligation and the responsibility to overcome difficult moments to pursue its dream, objectives and values. Today wasn’t easy: Fiorentina are well organised and dropped back to defend, looking to hit on the counter. We weren’t precise in the final third during the first half, but we were sharper and more determined after the restart. We opened the scoring with a long-range shot we hadn’t even tried in the first 45. After the second goal, it became easier. I’m happy for Sucic because he’s a complete midfielder. He has a huge engine and the ability to play in every role. I was pleased because he showed just what a composed player he is in the box, which we’d been waiting to see. We’re all happy for him. I saw the response that I asked for at half-time. The team had the right energy, and sometimes a coach has to know when to intervene. I felt it wasn’t necessary to make immediate changes at the start of the second half. We found a way through patiently, and those decisions in reading the game make all the difference. We showed patience, conserving energy and staying sharp to understand our opponents, and it paid off in the end: a second game within the game emerged, and we found more space. It’s right to give young players minutes and reward them, but you have to be careful about how and with whom you put them on the pitch. We have a squad full of quality and experience that supports these youngsters, including during the week, which is vital for their development. I’m pleased with Bisseck’s performance: given his qualities, I always thought from the start that he could play in the centre. Today, after the second half against Union SG, I played him in that role again against a player like Kean, who is strong and could have caused him problems, but he did well. I explained that when in doubt, he shouldn’t commit too early, but focus on covering the space in behind. He has the bravery to hold a high line, and the rest is down to me and my staff. I was a defender myself, though not as quick as him, but I know the role and can explain certain things. Hakan’s quality is unquestionable: for years, he’s been among the best in his position. He had to overcome a few challenges, but now the qualities of a complete midfielder and natural leader are showing. We’re very happy with his performances. I’m fully committed to this project, and, together with everyone else, I’m working to complete what’s still missing in this group, both mentally and physically. We’re obliged to do so and to improve every day. At the start of the season, I was concerned about this adventure, but I’m gradually starting to enjoy it.”