Chivu: “Quality and pride, this is our identity”

“These are our strengths. We have a squad that allows us to play in a certain way, maintain a high level and remain true to the team’s identity and DNA. We lacked energy in the opening 25 minutes, while Udinese did well to punish our carelessness, but we responded. I was pleased with the mentality and pride we showed, although I also need to assess what did not work and what I was unable to get across during the week. To some extent, I expected it after a Champions League match that took a lot out of us. If I said I wasn’t concerned, I wouldn’t be a coach, but this is modern football, with its intensity and opponents who always face us head-on. We have to play this way because it is our identity. We commit a lot of players when we have possession and use additional rotations that carry risks, but I also liked Barella’s goal, which came after a well-executed counter-press. We are not perfect and do not claim to be. We know we need to keep working because the season is long and, thankfully, there are still many areas in which we can improve. Compared with a year ago, this time we beat Udinese. We also won two trophies last season, but that means little now because it belongs to the past. At this stage last year, we had done a lot of work on counter-pressing and closing down spaces around the ball when facing a low block. There is still work to do because we are not perfect and continue to concede chances, but I take encouragement from the players’ desire to put our ideas into practice and fully embrace the game plan. Individual and collective confidence are important and should not be underestimated, as they can make the difference. We now have six more points than at the same stage last season. We want to keep improving and involve more players through rotation without losing our identity. Everyone is important. It was good to see Mkhitaryan and John Stones on the pitch, Bonny on the scoresheet and Stanković getting some minutes as well. I feel for those who were unable to come on, but having strength in depth is important, and they all know how to give me a selection headache. My concern is making the right choices without upsetting the balance. I have never seen a perfect team in my life. We will try to preserve our identity against Roma as well. Given everything this group has achieved over the years and the values it embodies, this is how we have to play. The risks will cost us more in some matches than in others. We may face difficulties again, but finding the right balance without sacrificing this group’s hunger and quality will be crucial. Some players did not have an ideal pre-season because of the World Cup, so we are trying to give everyone playing time and bring them up to speed. Of course, the match against Roma immediately before the international break is very important. We will work during the break, although only a few players will remain with us. We will keep moving forward like this. One thing is certain: this is the level this group operates at, and we will do everything possible to continue improving as the season unfolds.”