Chivu: "We'll need to play a perfect game. We're having a good season"

Inter are preparing to return to action: the Nerazzurri will take on Genoa at 18:00 tomorrow, on matchday 15 of the league campaign. On the eve of the match, at the BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile, Cristian Chivu responded to questions from journalists.

Inter will need to play a perfect match. What sort of match will it be against a confident Genoa side who are backed by their fans? "It will need to be a perfect match in terms of our attitude, desire and the approach. We're coming up against a good time, who've rediscovered their enthusiasm and points. Going to Genoa is never easy for Inter, therefore, we'll need a complete performances, in all aspects, giving everything that we have".

Lots has been said about the penalty in the Liverpool match. How have the past few days been and what does the Genoa clash mean? "With the same calmness that we've had since the start of the season. We're aware of the work we're putting in. The reality on the pitch is often different to what is said off of it. We always have to give our all on the pitch, adding attention, quality, organisation, responsibility, passion and enjoyment. We're having a good season, with highs and lows. We're working to get rid of the negative moments and the results are seen in the performances, not just in the points".

You're coming up against Coaches like De Rossi, Fabregas, Palladino. You are the new generation in Serie A: What are you bringing to the table? "You have to judge the communication. We always have the humility to learn from those with more experience. We try to take something from everyone in Italy and abroad, be it from a human or tactical point of view. De Rossi is someone I really like. We spent four years together at Roma. He has an emotional, footballing and human intelligence that is extraordinary. He's always been a leader, even when he wasn't wearing the armband. He's a true, loyal and honest person. I have great memories of him".

After the recent defeats, the team has played well but hasn't picked many points up. How have you worked on the mental aspect? "We have to continue with confidence and determination, correcting the small errors but without losing sight of the fact that we're having a good season. We've never made a complete mistake a single game, in the 21 games I've been in charge of. We maybe only made two mistakes at the FIFA Club World Cup. This gives confidence and awareness: the group has the desire to be dominant and continue on this path towards our objectives. The reality of the pitch is very different to whatever anyone says". What do you want from the team so they make the final step towards a winning mentality? "Their perception and desire counts more than anything. We started with a lot of doubts, but we're still here thanks to our work, group and personality. I wasn't disappointed after the Summer. We still have things to improve on but we've never wanted to lose our identity, hunger and the desire to be dominant in Italy and Europe. We're on the right path".

Why have Inter never managed to comeback after going behind? "There are always episodes. We slipped up twice: first time against Udinese and then against Napoli. For the remaining games, the team has always been dominant and pushed on, without speculating. We will try to improve without losing our identity".

After the game against Como, was it possible to repeat the same intensity against Liverpool? "Against Liverpool, we added something extra compares to the Como match. The opposition was different, with more experience and individual quality. We weren't inferior in our attitude and play. It's normal for the level to be higher when you're in the Champions League. We beat Como and lost to Liverpool, but I saw lots of good things in both games". Do you feel criticism or pressures on the way you get the team to play? "I speak facts. The expectations on Inter are always incredibly high, you have to win all the time. I value the journey, the growth and what we bring to the pitch. I don't like labels, too many are put on Inter" .

How are the players? Who is not available? "Acerbi and Calhanoglu won't be there, nor will Darmian, Dumfries, Palacios and Di Gennaro".