Chivu: "An important chapter in the history of this great club"

“I was already part of Inter’s history before this Scudetto too (laughs). I’m happy for these players, for the club and for the fans, because they had to put up with the narrative and the teasing from those who always tried to downplay the work they had done. The team did well to roll up their sleeves, rebuild, and find the right motivation to have a competitive season. They did it, and I’m happy for them: the 21st Scudetto is an important chapter in the history of this great club. I’m as happy as when I won as a player, even if back then I was younger, with longer hair and a bit less grey. Tonight, I wanted to look good for the interviews. Out of duty, out of responsibility, and because of what this club represents, we had to be competitive. A season is made of ups and downs. It’s a marathon where, in the end, the most consistent team and the one that collects the most points wins. Luckily, that was us. We built on the good work we had done from the start, despite a few defeats. But we were able to react, get back up, and keep our objective in mind. Between January and February, we realised we were truly competitive and could do it. We overcame difficult moments, like the Champions League exit and the derby defeat, and we stayed on our feet to remain competitive until the end. I’m happy for the players, and they deserve to be on the pitch feeling the affection and love of the fans. They should enjoy this moment. At one point, I went into the dressing room to have a cigarette – I apologise for saying that. Credit also goes to the club, which always supported us and gave us what we needed in difficult moments. These players truly deserve it. I don’t talk about myself. Personally, I’m quite an unusual character. A few years ago, I had to have a serious conversation with myself about life and death, and that’s when I lost my ego. I try to be the best version of myself and help these players, who sometimes need a stick and sometimes a carrot. I draw on my experience in dressing rooms and in group management to understand the moments and avoid repeating the mistakes I made as a player. I wanted to be a coach in my own way, trying to be empathetic and human, and not think about myself or outside approval. I think about the people who care about me, and about giving everything for the team and the fans. As a coach, I know I’m always at risk, and I have to accept that with a smile and the awareness that even when things don’t go well, I must always do my best. In terms of our play, we always wanted to be proactive, but depending on the opponent we had to make adjustments: a double pivot, more positional rotations, using short, simple passing options when teams pressed us. You always have to understand the moments of the game, adapt, and read what the opponent is trying to do. My predecessors did a great job, because these players have an excellent understanding of the game, and it made it easier for me to adapt to matches. It’s good players who help coaches win titles and achieve their dreams. As for my rivals, I can only learn from them, because they have won so much and made football history.”