Chivu: “Happy with the performance and this tour”

Happy with the win, but always looking ahead to make sure the team is in the best possible shape for the start of the competitive season: Cristian Chivu analysed Inter’s performance after their friendly victory over Juventus, as well as the team’s level of preparation with two weeks to go until the first Serie A matchday. These are the words of the Nerazzurri coach, who answered questions from journalists after the final friendly of the tour in Asia.

How pleased are you with the team’s performance and what is your overall assessment of the tour?

“We always have to believe that we can improve, but after the work we’ve put in over these past few weeks, I’m happy with the way we’ve finished this tour beyond Europe: without injuries and with a good performance.”

On the match: the approach in the first half showed a desire to try to dominate. How close do you feel you are to reaching your best condition? Is the Inter we saw today ready for the season? “Not yet. We’re still missing some energy in our legs. We need a few more weeks and a few more training sessions to find that physical sharpness. I didn’t like the second half as much, for example: we allowed them too much space and possession, and we needed to find more solutions. We managed to score the second goal during their best spell, but we can and must do better.”

From now until the start of the league season, you have another friendly, while Lautaro, Thuram and Stones will return to training tomorrow. Do you think any of them could be available for Monza? “We have time over these next ten days to see them working and assess their level of fitness as we get closer to the start of the league season. Then we’ll make our decisions.”

From what you saw today, is Juventus a more dangerous side than last year? “Juventus are a strong team and they’re well coached. Friendly matches don’t count for much; they’re tests where you look for new solutions and ideas, and where you work on your fitness. They have quality players and they’re well coached, so they’ll certainly be a side to watch out for this season.”

We saw Bovio show a lot of personality today, while Iddrissou also made a very positive impact after coming on. Could these players be useful to you during the season? And is there an established pecking order in goal? “As for the young players, my job is to coach them, give them confidence and opportunities to express their qualities to the best of their ability. They have to train well, get used to the tempo of these matches and work with their teammates during the week on the things we ask of them. I don’t have to promote anyone. They’re aware of their own qualities and they’ve shown them, with ups and downs and a few mistakes. What matters to me is how they react, the way they conduct themselves on the pitch and how they deal with certain types of players. All the young players made a big contribution. As for the goalkeeper, I don’t talk about hierarchies. For me, there are no starters and substitutes. Everyone will have the opportunity to contribute to our campaign.”

While you wait for a new signing to arrive, Diouf seems to be showing his willingness and application on the right, including in the areas he needs to improve. “From the match against Karlsruher to today, I’ve seen a lot of improvement, so I can say that I’m happy.”