Inter vs. Udinese: Chivu press conference

Tomorrow, Inter take on Udinese on Serie A matchday 2 following their opening-day victory over Torino. We're still at San Siro in the final game before the first international break.

Cristian Chivu's press conference:

Of the many good signs against Torino, which is the most important? “The important thing is to show the attitude and mentality that we worked on before the season started. There are lots of things to take from it and a few to work on, but the main thing is that we show that attitude and mentality.”

What role will Calhanoglu have? He’s an important player and has shown that in recent years. He showed he wanted to be a part of this group and also to improve. From day one, he’s been doing great stuff. He’s come back  motivated, with the right mentality and ambition. He’s keen to put last season behind him, as are we all, aware of the fact that what matters is this season. The first few games of a season are so important; he’s available after suspension and we’re all happy.”

What are Pio Esposito’s thoughts on the Italy call-up? “I’ve known him since he was 13 years old, so I know what he’s made of. I know the facts and his motivation. I know what his approach to off-field lids is, too: he keeps his feet on the ground. He’s really humble and that means he can develop. The higher expectations are, the better he performs. That was the case in Serie B last season and as a youngster in youth football here. He then chose a tougher path, which meant his growth was accelerated. Now, he can enjoy being in the Inter first team and the Italy set-up, because he came through all the age groups playing with older kids. I’m happy for him. I don’t need to add anything else, because I know what he thinks and how it will motivate him even more.”

With Bonny and Esposito in the squad, could be see an extra striker on the pitch? “There will be room for that. We have a lot of games, and probably, we’ll get to see two strikers up top or even three. Based on our needs and the games before us, there will be a few different set-ups.”

Will the formation change often “Playing every three days, if you want to keep the team motivated and maintain competition, you need to keep everyone happy, but without moving away from a meritocratic selection. Just having lots of games isn’t enough, you need to prepare to take your chances and for the coach to make choices based on the good of the team. Everyone needs to earn their place and show that they are competition and can provide options.”

Will rotation depend on the competition? “I can’t think too far ahead. Tomorrow is a really important game, so it doesn’t seem right. I’m just thinking about Udinese; we also have the break afterwards too. Sometimes, overplanning can hurt you.”

On meritocracy, will Sucic play again tomorrow? “You earn your place in training. Every player needs to do his best to make my selection difficult. I don’t just look at the 11 starters, but at the whole squad. They need to train hard, have a good mentality and behave on and off the pitch, and cause me selection problems.”

Can you tell us the agreements you’ve made with the players? “There are things that are good for the group. They make you understand unity and harmony, which have to be there. The pact is more or less that I am responsible, in the good or bad times.”

How have you considered using Frattesi? “For me, he’s best used in the half spaces and breaking into the box, but he can play in behind the striker. I think he can also drop deeper and help to defend, pack out the box. I’m sure he can do a lot of different things and that he’ll be an important player for us.”

What are the potential stumbling blocks in tomorrow’s game? “We need to have the right attitude tomorrow, and the right mentality, bite and aggression. Quality is not lacking. Udinese are an organised and physical side. They have pace and flexibility too. Their midfield is organised, but they do have a lot of quality as well. They’re using a new system this season, but the quality of their players remains the same. It’s always tough against them.”