Chivu: "Group with great human values: we'll need intensity against Roma"

The Serie A is back and Inter's league campaign gets back underway. After the recent international break, the Nerazzurri are back in action with the Easter Sunday big match at San Siro against Roma. It will be played on 5 April at 20:45 CEST.

Cristian Chivu spoke ahead of the match at San Siro:

How is the team approaching the match? "We’re coming off a two week break. Those who stayed here also had a few days off, and those who were with their national teams were able to step away a bit after spending the last few months fully focused with the squad. Unfortunately, some didn’t achieve their goals and ambitions, but they’ve returned aware that a very demanding end to the season awaits us, where we must be ready and competitive". Are you concerned about the mental condition after Italy's disappointment? "I'm working with champions, from a human point of view, they've shown, this year and in recent seasons, how they've always picked themselves back up and reacted. They’ve learned that when you’re part of a team, sometimes you fall short and don’t reach your objective, but what matters is the reaction, the character, and what they show for their teammates, along with respect for the club they represent and the love of the fans. Disappointments are part of the game and must be accepted. I’m not worried, they’ve proven to be players with values and quality since the day I arrived.” What will change with the return of Lautaro? “Results are part of the league marathon. For me, there have been 18 matches with 14 wins, 3 draws and one defeat. Certain dramas over a draw only happen with Inter. They’re part of a normal league campaign and depend on the opposition; they’re just normal games on normal weekends. We’re top, so we’ve been competitive and met our expectations. Every player is important individually, everyone knows their contribution is fundamental, and we need everyone available and mentally and physically ready to be at their best.” Inter beat Roma in the first meeting: what has changed since that match? “We know Roma are strong. They have a great coach who, in a short time, has imposed his identity very well, beyond expectations. It’s an important match, there are eight left, but the next one is always the most important. We need conviction and intensity; it’s not easy to face Gasperini’s teams. We need the right ambition to get a result against a difficult side.” Is something different needed to improve the outcome compared to past seasons? "I’ve spoken about human qualities, certainty and values. This group has learned from past mistakes. What matters is what we’ve become today. We’ve picked ourselves up again time and time again. I’m also talking about Bastoni, whom I left on crutches and was on the pitch three days later. Everyone takes responsibility and accepts criticism, even in difficult moments. They’re aware that there's little recognition in football and people often look for things that have nothing to do with the human values of this team, like in Bastoni’s case. I’m convinced they’ll be ready for this final stretch of the season.” How is Bastoni doing mentally and physically? “In football, what matters is the respect of your teammates, your work, and who you are as a person. He’s certainly disappointed, but also happy to have received support from his teammates both in the national team and at the club, because he stepped up in a difficult moment to represent his country and try to achieve the dream of all Italians. Despite his physical condition, he made himself available, and for me as a man of sport, that means a lot. I understand these dynamic, taking on that kind of responsibility after ten days isn’t easy. What matters is what you receive in return: the love, respect and affection of your teammates for what you’ve given.” What do you think of the atmosphere outside of the club? “You should explain it to me. I see, hear and listen to things that don’t align with my values in sport. The incident after Juventus created a media witch-hunt I haven’t seen before, but when it comes to Inter, it happens; with the team, the club and the players. When there are incidents against Inter, no one says anything. We accept external opinions, knowing that historically in Italy, those in first place are always the most disliked, but that doesn’t mean we don’t try to maintain a high level. We represent a great club with wonderful fans, and those who go on international duty try to give something important. It’s not Inter players’ fault, five of them were called up for Italy, and that’s a source of pride for us. Matches can be won or lost, but we always give our best, both for the national team and the club.” Esposito took responsibility for the penalty in Bosnia: were you surprised? “I was interested and asked him if he had decided to take it himself, he said yes, and that’s enough for me. Taking that kind of responsibility, knowing the importance of the match, is what matters. Penalties can be missed, but he had the courage to step up. That’s a positive sign in terms of human values, for us, for the club, and also for the national team.” Do you think that it's normal for referees to be assigned to Inter matches after stepping away from Napoli games? “I focus my energy on choosing the best lineup for each match. I usually don’t answer these questions because I have many doubts, I can’t think about referees, VAR, AVAR and everything else; it’s not my job. What matters to me is the team’s performance and the type of match we need to play. My job is to prepare the team mentally, maintain our principles, stay dominant and always give our best. If we start thinking about other things, we see ghosts and become afraid of what happens in football. I’m a reasonable person.” How has Thuram been? "I’m happy he scored with the national team, it’s an important time for France, with high expectations for the World Cup. Deschamps will have a tough time choosing in attack, but Marcus is an important constant and showed it against Colombia. He’s a top-level striker you can rely on. We know his quality and his work, he’s aware of it too and is working to help the team and be decisive, with goals, assists, and his overall contribution on and off the ball. He is very focused in his daily work, ready when the team needs him". What advice have you given to Bastoni? “I have to give him calm and confidence, the same for everyone else, along with clear ideas on what to do on the pitch. I can’t control his future. I know he’s very happy to be here and part of this wonderful group; he’s always stepped up and given 100%, and that’s what matters to me. It will be up to him to decide his future, as we’re all responsible for our own choices. But as long as he’s here, I’m convinced he’ll give more than 100% for us. There are many uncertainties in football, but he has shown he knows how to make the right decisions. World football will always enjoy a high-quality player like him.”