Chivu: "Arsenal a complete side, but they also need to worry about us"

After the away win over Udinese, Inter turn their attention to the Champions League and their clash with Arsenal on matchday 7 of the league phase. The fixture is scheduled for Tuesday 20 January at San Siro, kick-off at 21:00 CET.

On the eve of the match, Cristian Chivu spoke to the media at the BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile.

What kind of match will it be? Is this the toughest side you could face at the moment? Do you see any qualities in the group similar to 2010? "It's not fair to make comparisons between different eras with different players. Football has changed radically: nowadays, it's more physical and intense. It's not right to compare 2010 to now – they are different teams. Arsenal are one of Europe's strongest sides: they've invested heavily and are very competitive. This year, they're top of the Champions League standings and leading the Premier League. They're certainly a very strong outfit."

This season, you've motivated your squad repeatedly, a team that some had written off after last season's final. How important is tomorrow's game, given the quality of the opponent? What do you expect from the match? "We've been working for months to make the team understand the importance of every game: for me, they are all important. A team like ours must never underestimate anyone and must always be the best version of itself. We're fully aware of the importance of this match and of our objective – to finish in the top eight and advance to the round of 16. We know it's never easy, and we must always give everything."

What do Inter need to do to improve compared to the matches against Atletico and Liverpool? "We need to win and be determined and brave. We must avoid mistakes and be mentally ready."

How is Lautaro? "He worked throughout the training session; his absence from the rondo was purely precautionary."

Does Thuram feel the young players behind him are starting to challenge his place? How is he doing? "Thuram is one of our forwards, one of the strongest around. I don't see any problems. A player can rest, and that's important for us and for the sport as a whole. He has great qualities and is among the ten best forwards in the world."

Last season, Arsenal were impressive from corners. Have you prepared anything specific? "Our way of defending set-pieces – zonal marking – also happens to be the best solution for facing Arsenal. Man-marking could cause us problems against them. We know they can be dangerous, but in some situations you have to give credit to the opponents. They're a strong, high-scoring team, but they also need to worry about us."

What must Inter avoid doing tomorrow? "We must make as few mistakes as possible, be efficient and show the character needed to understand the key moments of the game. Matches are made up of many moments and shifts. Maturity is required, and this group has grown a lot in reading the phases of a match."

Arsenal like to dominate possession – how do you go about facing them? "They have many ways to hurt you; they're a complete team. We know their strengths, and we need to be able to deal with them."

How is the team? "Dumfries is out and hasn't recovered. Everyone else is available, except for Çalhanoğlu."

What do you think of Arteta? "He's one of the youngest and most ambitious coaches, but he already has great experience. His team has a strong identity."

Thuram has become more and more decisive: has there been targeted work with him? "He still has room to improve, works every day with great conviction, and is very intelligent. We're extremely happy with him and the contribution he makes to the team. He's an important player, but we also have four forwards who lend us a big hand."

Do you see qualities in Lautaro similar to Totti? "Lautaro is Lautaro, and Totti is Totti. He's doing a fantastic job: he's always involved in the play, drops back to help build our attacks, and has scored many important goals. He's bagged eleven in the league alone. He also helps defensively with grit and determination, making the defenders work, and he does it the right way. He wants to have a great season and be decisive."