Chivu: “Pleased with our approach: the players did brilliantly to adapt”

“There was an element of uncertainty after a three-week break because it was something we had never experienced before, so we really did not know what to expect. The players worked very well during that period, with enthusiasm and a real desire to train, while those away on international duty contributed for their national teams. I’m pleased with the way we approached the game and with the quality we showed. We adapted quickly to an opponent that we didn't have a huge amount of information on. I’m also happy that we were able to give minutes to players who needed them and rest those who had played a lot for their countries. I think Pio’s main quality is his selflessness. Selfishness simply is not part of his game: he works for the team. Today I was also pleased with the way he pressed after we lost possession and by his reaction when things did not come off. He showed real mental strength in those moments. He still has room to improve, but he works hard, makes himself available to the group and the group recognises that he is someone who can make an important contribution, as he has already shown. Carlos also did very well last season both as a wing-back and as part of the back three. He has important qualities in terms of physical strength and energy in duels, but there is more to his game than that. He can overlap, attack the line and he has an excellent shot with both feet. We have a player who understands his own strengths and knows how to use them for the benefit of the team. Our demands change depending on the opponent. Dimarco enjoys finding space, getting into the box and attacking crosses, even from the right wing-back position, as he did in the first half. He is also one of the best at reading when and how to press the player in possession immediately after we lose the ball. ”