Chivu: "A comeback showing pride, quality and intensity"

“A match lasts 100 minutes, you can turn it around. Our approach wasn’t right at the start, we conceded on a counterattack and essentially gave up a goal ourselves, and I take responsibility for that because certain instructions come from me regarding the Goalkeeper’s role, and at times that puts Yan in difficulty. Then we conceded from a set-piece, but we showed pride, quality and intensity, and before half-time we managed to turn it around. It’s about attitude and mental preparation. You might suffer at times, but what matters is how you react and how you carry yourself for the rest of the match, and today we did well despite the difficulties. The team did what it needed to do; the 4–2 came a bit late in the game, but hats off to these lads who give everything to have a competitive season and achieve their objectives. The team’s growth? That’s down to them, how they work and put themselves at the service of the group, aware that every mistake is my responsibility because the Coach is always responsible. They work hard, trying to meet my expectations by understanding our demands. Pio? He’s a lad who steps up, who wants to prove his worth, just like all the other players I have at my disposal. Sometimes I go overboard with certain things, but I’m pleased that the lads follow me to make what we want to do successful. I have a passion for football that goes beyond the norm; sometimes I’m tired because I watch so many matches, but I know you have to watch to learn many things. This weekend my priority will be my family, because I’m really dedicating a lot of time to these wonderful lads.”