Chivu: "We must bounce back, knowing how strong we are"

Inter are preparing to return to action against Bologna on Serie A Matchday 7, with the game scheduled to kick off at 18:00 CEST on Saturday 17 October at the Stadio Dall'Ara.

Ahead of the Nerazzurri's trip to face the Rossoblù, Inter head coach Cristian Chivu previewed the league encounter during his pre-match press conference at the Inter Training Center:

How is the team doing, and what kind of game are you expecting?

"It's a different competition, and we're playing again just four days later. Those who played have had two days to recover, while the others have been working. Everyone trained today. The issue is Lautaro, whose injury only came to light after the game. He'll be out for a while."

What's the mood like in the squad? Has it changed?

"We take responsibility for the things that didn't work, but we mustn't lose sight of the positives from the first hour, when we played with energy and created plenty of chances. We started the second half well too and had two opportunities, but everything fell apart after the second goal. It was like watching two different games. We need to respond and rediscover our energy. No one is going to wait for us, and we can't afford to feel sorry for ourselves."

As you look to find the right balance, what's the biggest change the team needs to make, including in its day-to-day work?

"That change has to start with me. I'm the one who is ultimately responsible for how the team is organised. From there, we need to be on the same wavelength. I'm working with a fantastic group of players who fully embrace everything we ask of them. We need to stay focused and respond to the different phases of a match without letting setbacks get the better of us."

Inter rarely look vulnerable in Italy. Has the defeat to Club Brugge shaken the team's confidence?

"We mustn't overreact, even though the defeat hurts because expectations were high and we had the chance to win, with all due respect to our opponents, who played very well. We struggled when our concentration dropped. We started reacting on instinct and pride, but without much clarity, moving away from what we'd prepared. That said, we know how strong we are. We have to treat this defeat as a setback and not make a drama out of it, even if a result like this inevitably attracts a lot of attention."

The team has conceded a lot of goals. Is it time to change your defensive approach?

"We're sticking to our principles. We need to make sure everyone shares the same understanding of what we're trying to do and how we want to do it. We need to get back on the same wavelength and show greater maturity in that respect. When we're out of possession, everyone needs to work towards the same objective and be on the same page."

Will Lautaro be back after the international break? Has his playing time with the national team played a part?

"I'm not a doctor. I've been given a recovery timeframe, and he'll probably be back after the break."

We haven't spoken much about Bonny. How is he doing, and what have you made of his performances?

"Ange has really impressed me. He's shown his quality every time he's come off the bench, and he's managed to get off the mark in the league too. He's an excellent striker, and we know how much he brings to the team. His chance to start will come sooner or later. We're very happy with what he's doing for the team, including the impact he makes towards the end of games. It's only a matter of time before he starts a match, and we're delighted with him."

After the Brugge game, you said that some things needed to change and that the team needed to run more.

"I'm the first one who needs to change. I take responsibility for making things clearer and giving the players greater confidence in what we're trying to do. Once they're on the pitch, there's only so much I can control, but I can be more effective in explaining how things need to be done. I can't overhaul everything. We need the right energy and motivation, and the players need to understand why we're asking them to do certain things. There are small details we need to improve on that can make a big difference, but that doesn't mean everything we've done should be discarded. When we kept the right distances between players and played with the right energy, things worked. Pressing individually isn't the answer. I need to do a better job of getting those ideas across, but I also have to acknowledge the players' determination to respond. We need to improve our running, our timing, our togetherness, our energy and our communication on the pitch. In football, if you don't play with intensity, you won't get very far."

Do you agree with those who think Martinez needs to be managed differently? What can you tell us about Provedel?

"I have a lot of respect and faith in Provedel. He'll be a big help to us this season."

With Lautaro out, you'll also be missing a leader on the pitch. Will you be asking more of the senior players during his absence?

"We shouldn't need to ask anything extra of anyone. We just have to keep doing what we've always done. There are several leaders in this team, and everyone has to step up and show their leadership to help us to achieve our ambitions."

You have a good record against Palladino. What kind of game are you expecting?

"He's only been there a month, but he's changed the formation and given the team a clear identity, particularly in the way they play forward quickly and the energy they bring, although those qualities were there in previous seasons too. They're a dynamic, athletic side who cover a lot of ground, and if you don't win your individual battles against them, you can find yourself in trouble."