Inter coach Christian Chib spoke to the press the night before his clash with Serie a Cremonese on his side, holding his card close to his chest after his choices, defensive focus and the latest after Marcus Thurlam’s injury, and embracing his cards about who will partner with Lautaro Martinez in the attack.
He also spoke at length about what he expects from Ange-Yoan Bonny, Pio Esposito, Squad Fitness, and Cremonese.
The quote comes directly from Chivu’s press conference via fcinternews.
Inter vs Cremonese – Partner Lautaro, Chivu on GK policy, “No rules”
Chivu was Coy when asked about who would partner with Cremonese.
“I don’t know yet. I’ll know tomorrow. Right now, there’s only “LA.” I have ideas about who will play with him. I’ve decided 90%, but I can’t tell you,” the coach said.
The coach has already spinned the team several times this season and was asked if that would last.
“For me, there’s no “normal.” There is normal.
“I’m not superstitious. I don’t see ghosts. I do the right thing to manage groups. There are no rules in soccer.
“There are no limits. You need an open mind to surpass that. I’m not afraid of that. There’s no rule that goalkeepers play the Champions League or Serie A. My players need to earn a chance.
“It depends on my feelings. I’m not selfish, but I don’t want maximum availability. The lineup will be shown tomorrow.”
Chivu hit the points home and revealed how the rotation keeps his team motivated.
“Players have to feel responsible. There are no rules for announcing the lineup. I always mix things up in training and feel they are important.
“Maybe someone was mad at me thinking he wouldn’t play, and I want him to do that.
“No one should feel comfortable. Sometimes we say the lineup the day before, sometimes the morning. So far, we even said it three hours before a game.”
Thuram’s Chivu, defensive balance and team condition
Chivu has praised the team for their defensive improvements in recent weeks.
“We found a balance, and we improved in that respect,” he said.
“Even when you try to attack, it’s getting more attention. I’m happy because I have a strong desire to not acknowledge my goals and not acknowledge them because I’m an organized team.”
Marcus Thurham had to get injured in Inter’s mid-winning victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League.
The French will not return until after an international break. This is a blow on Chib and his side.
“In Cagliari he left an hour later. He rested. Against Slavia, I saw him as a trouble-causing pair with Lautaro.
“He enjoys himself, feels good, and then his injuries are constantly turning the corner, because honestly, that is important to me.
“It’s not a very serious injury, but it takes a little time to get him back with us.”
The Romanian also spoke about the importance of conditioning and fitness over a long season.
“Status is important, but I have never looked for an excuse even with a ‘short’ preseason.
“The team was able to give continuity to the first game. As we progress, sharpness improves, but there is a risk of injury.
Teams train well in more than the “rules” of soccer. I often discuss certain things with fitness coaches.
“We are staff with a certain level of sensitivity. We know how to do things. The players quickly accepted our methodology.”
Cib on the threat of Cremonase for Inter & Summer Sign
The newly promoted Cremonese has been unbeaten so far this season and has already made one trip to San Siro.
In the opening game, David Nicola’s side defeated Milan 2-1 with Miassa.
Chivu is wary of the threat their opposition will raise on Saturday:
“Cremonase is a physically organized team that knows its limits with its ambition to keep going.
“Nicola understands this department. He gives them a mentality. They’ve experienced players reading the moment.
Chivu also discussed the summer he signed to Andy Diuf, who so far played in just 11 minutes for Inter since signing from Lens in August.
“Andy needed time and he arrived last. He rewarded him by giving him a debut the day after he joined. He trains well and has seen great growth since he came.
“In the beginning he was a bit shy with his new team, but today he’s more involved.
“I have a group of people who help him every day and he is open to him, he has his quality and determination, and he has a very important work ethic.
“I’m happy to have him available, he’ll get his chance.”
Finally, the Romanian concluded his press conference with praise for Anjoan Bonnie. Angele Joa Bonnie estimates that some of the Italian press will start with Lautaro on Saturday.
“What Bonnie is missing is just the beginning and you are waiting for it…but he always came and he had a few minutes.
“Sooner or later it will be his turn from the start. He has a good profile, a good player. Maybe I will blame you for talking about Pio and not him, but they know I value the younger players, I believe in their energy.
“In established groups, we know how important it is to have young people who add extra hunger.
“Angie is one of them. He is respected and appreciated by the group. He always gives everything he has.
“He’s a great kid I care about, I know what he can give.
“He’s happy to be in the inter and he’s happy to play for two minutes. I know he is.”
