Chivu: "We want to build consistency in our progress and ambitions"

It's the day before Fiorentina vs. Inter, the Nerazzurri’s final fixture before the international break. Ahead of the clash on matchday 30 in Serie A, scheduled for Sunday 22 March at 20:45 CET at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Cristian Chivu addressed the media in his pre-match press conference from the BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile.

Good afternoon, coach. Inter are away to Fiorentina tomorrow in their final game before the international break. What sort of performance will be needed, and how are the team heading into it? "The team are in a good place. We’ve had a full week on the training pitch and know what to expect from tomorrow's game. We're ready for it."

Conte has spoken about the pressure on you. Do you feel it? Can it be a motivating factor? "Football is all about pressure. No one talks about the chasing pack, there's still a long way to go this season and plenty of games left. With three points for a win, anything can happen. We're aware of the path we're on, what we've done so far, and also of the ambitions of the other teams, who quite rightly believe they can compete right to the end."

Do you think the work you're doing should be looked at differently? "We see it as 27 points available for us. In the three-points-per-win era, anything is possible. Our focus is on staying competitive and building on the good work we’ve done so far. We need to keep concentrating on ourselves and build even more consistency into our ambitions and our progress this season."

How did you all decide not to speak after the Atalanta game and to hold a press conference today instead? "It was a decision we made together after what happened on the pitch last Sunday. But I prefer to focus on football and not get distracted by anything that could create excuses. We made a few technical and tactical errors in that game. We all asked ourselves what we could have done better. We shouldn’t concern ourselves with other people’s mistakes, because those are out of our control."

Three games without a win and only one goal scored: is this down to Lautaro’s absence, or is it a dip in form? "It's a bit of everything. It's normal over the course of a season to go through moments that are less sharp than usual. You also have to look at what's been achieved: compared to the previous matchday, we gained a point. We need to focus on our improvement and on what we need to regain in terms of energy, ambition, and quality, without losing sight of our journey, fully aware that no one gives you anything – you have to go out and take it."

Does Thuram need advice, like Lautaro did a few months ago? "Thuram, like everyone else, can do better – and they all know it. Everyone is working hard every day to contribute mentally, physically, and in terms of goals, and to be up to the standard of the team, from every perspective. That goes for him just as it does for everyone. I don't have any advice to give; at a time when every game feels like a final, it's up to each player to take responsibility and become the best version of themselves."

How is Bastoni? "Right now, the focus is on Inter. After that, the players will have time to represent Italy in what I hope will be two important games, and we wish them the best given their significance. At the moment, our players are focused on contributing to Inter's progress in the league. Those called up for international duty will then have the chance to prepare properly, knowing that Italy are a strong team who can and should win their first match, which is the most important. Bastoni won't be in tomorrow's squad; Italy will assess him when he reports, and they will decide based on how he is."

Does the game against Bodo leave any regrets? "Looking back would be a waste of energy for me. What matters right now is the present and the future."

The Ivory Coast head coach mentioned a dental problem for Bonny. Has it affected his performance? "A thousand things happen every day, and you can’t go into all of them. These are just things that happen – we're here to deal with them and find solutions. He had some dental issues before the Atalanta game, and again this week. He'll definitely get them sorted next week during the international break."

How do you see the squad right now, and what message do you want to give the fans? "I see them in good shape. Our season is proof of a very mature, responsible team, eager to put themselves out there and take on challenges – and they've done that well. We have nine games to go and need to get the best out of ourselves in terms of personality, ambition, aggression, and attitude. They've done it before, so I'm confident they'll do it again in the future."