Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu has urged his team to avoid frustration and stay calm ahead of tonight’s game against Fiorentina.
Speaking to Sky Sports via FCInterNews, Chivu admitted that his players are working on improving their discipline.
Inter will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s crushing 3-1 loss to direct Scudetto rivals Napoli.
Furthermore, this result ended Inter’s impressive winning streak in all competitions at seven.
More importantly, ahead of tonight’s kick-off, pacesetters Napoli and Inter are separated by six points.
Therefore, anything other than three points would mean that Inter’s chances of reclaiming the Serie A title would be even further away.
However, the visiting Fiorentina arrived at the San Siro with a poor start to the season.
In fact, returning coach Stefano Pioli is on the verge of parting ways.
Fiorentina have not won in the opening eight matches and remain in the relegation zone.
Inter therefore have every reason to be optimistic as they aim for a third consecutive win against La Viola for the first time since 2018.
Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu demands improvements ahead of match against Fiorentina
“We are professionals,” said Cristian Chivu. “We know that the most important game is today, and we have worked hard to put in a good performance.
“I can still improve my level of self-control and discipline, but I cannot allow myself to be affected by cheating or negative moments during the match.
“We have to stay mentally focused for 100 minutes and we can’t afford to miss important moments that will decide how the game goes.”
Chivu then explained the importance of Hakan Calhanoglu for the Inter Milan side.
“He is an important player who has shown his worth and continues to do so,” added Chivu. “There are other options for that position, like Barella and Zielinski, if he decides he can help in that role.
“They can all play multiple positions, so it’s nice to have them.”
Meanwhile, Chivu explained his decision to return Jan Bisek to the starting XI at the expense of Francesco Acerbi.
“I have a lot of good defenders and he’s a viable option,” he said. “We tried him as a central defender in the second half in Belgium and it worked out really well.
“Let’s see how it goes today. He has the necessary qualities to play the role.”
Cristian Chivu hopes Fiorentina will benefit Inter Milan
Meanwhile, in an interview with DAZN via FCInterNews, Chivu previewed tonight’s showdown at San Siro.
“We will judge tonight based on our performance and how we respond to Saturday’s loss,” Chivu insisted.
“We need discipline and discipline to do our best on the pitch and give ourselves a chance to get a positive result.
“It will be difficult tonight. Fiorentina are in good form and have ambitions to move up the table.
“We expect a great performance from our players in terms of pressing after losing the ball and managing important moments.
“I don’t put too much pressure on the young players because they are surrounded by experienced team-mates with international pedigree.
“They are well-behaved, calm and also convey the easy-going attitude we need in young people.”
Asked if he was concerned about Inter’s disappointing record of conceding 11 league goals this season, Chivu replied: “What worries me is that seven of those goals have come against Juventus and Napoli.”
“When we analyze the goals we conceded, we could have done more and not just focused on individual mistakes.
“We are working on developing self-discipline and adding something positive. Those goals were avoidable.”
