Chivu: "Courage, personality and desire to be dominant: it's amazing to play here"

The eve of Real Madrid-Inter, the opening match of the League Phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League. An intriguing encounter between two of European football’s great teams, a true classic. Ahead of the clash, Nerazzurri coach Cristian Chivu previewed the match at a press conference from the Bernabéu itself, the venue for Tuesday 8 September’s fixture:

Sixteen years ago, you wrote a legendary chapter in Inter’s history in this stadium. What remains from that story, and what would you like to see from that group in your Inter? "We have a duty to write important pages in the history of the Club. In recent years, I would say that this Club’s name has reached great heights, as have its standards, and we have a duty to continue that. My emotions in this stadium? The Bernabéu has been renovated and is even more beautiful, but it was already special before because of its tradition and history. We’re all delighted to be able to play a Champions League match in this stadium, which is now even more modern. José is a special person for me, someone I was fortunate enough to meet. He gave me great support during a difficult moment in my life, and I’ll never forget that. I shared many wonderful moments with him."

How much of Mourinho is there in your football philosophy? "I’ve never copied anyone and I’ve never wasted time trying to copy anyone. I have my own football philosophy, built during my years as a player and through six years in youth development, where I experimented with things that have helped me over the years since I began my journey with a first team."

How do you dominate at the Bernabéu? "We’re aware that playing here isn’t easy for anyone. It’s been 60 years since Inter last won here. Historically, many teams have struggled here. We don’t want to change who we are, and we want to show courage and personality, with the desire to be competitive and dominant. There is no perfect way to approach Real Madrid, because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the game plan."

Has the time come for Jones and Stones? "For me, it’s not important who starts, but all 16 players who will make their contribution to the match. We’ve seen that over the first three league games: in the first match, some substitutions had a positive impact, and the same happened at Cagliari and against Napoli. Players coming off the bench can provide energy and quality if you have a competitive squad. Tomorrow, we’ll see what choices I make."

Last year, the group started with more ordinary opponents before all the seeded teams came in. What effect does it have to start against Real Madrid after just two days’ rest? "I would perhaps have preferred one extra day of rest after such an exhausting and wonderful game as Saturday’s, but this is the schedule and we have to get used to it. It makes no difference. It’s a mini-league and we all understand how many points are needed to finish in the top eight, as well as the points needed to make the play-offs, which are tricky. In the Champions League, victory is never guaranteed."

You aren’t hiding your ambitions in Italy. What are your ambitions in Europe? "We have clear ideas, and we’ve earned the right to be where we are. That’s thanks to the competence of the Club, the sporting directors and the players, who have embraced an important environment. For the last eight years, they’ve achieved important things, with a Europa League final, two Champions League finals and numerous domestic trophies. We’re in a situation where many people think we can do it, but the Champions League is a cruel competition: you need a little luck and you have to get through certain difficult moments. We simply want to be competitive and remain at the level required by the competition and by what this Club has achieved in recent years."

What is the difference between the Inter of 2010 and the current Inter? "I never compare generations. Sixteen years have passed and the world and football have changed. That was a team that wrote an important page in history, but this team has also done some great things. They’re great people and players who give everything to write a story that is just as important. They’ve lost finals and won a lot, but reaching that level is never a given. There’s no point comparing them; every team belongs to a particular era."

Last year you started with four wins but still had to go through the play-offs. Do you need five wins? "In my opinion, you need 16 points. Fifteen won’t be enough, and even 16 isn’t a guarantee. We want to do our best, taking it one match at a time, starting tomorrow evening."

Real Madrid have had two unsettled years. Do you see José’s influence in this team? "It’s too early. The start of a season is never easy for anyone, with a new coach and new players who have to understand what Real Madrid really means, because it’s a huge club and the pressure here is never easy. They’ve started the league well, and they didn’t deserve to lose their last match. Sometimes you do your best and it still isn’t enough, but this Club has history and tradition, with a coach who knows what needs to be done and players of international stature."

What did Mourinho teach you? "José is very good at immediately adapting to the reality of the Club he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner, without a doubt. There are very few people in the world like him. In his first spell here, he showed everywhere what that means. I’m convinced Real Madrid will have a great season."