Cristian Chivu faced the media at Appiano Gentile ahead of his first Milan derby as Inter manager, stressing both the spectacle and responsibility of tomorrow’s match, and praising his captain and star forward Lautaro Martinez.
“Derbies are always different because these two clubs represent international football, it’s beautiful and it’s broadcast all over the world. But at the end of the day it’s a match too and you have to prepare like any other match,” he said, quoted via FCInterNews.
Kivu stressed the importance of approaching the game with determination, regardless of the standings.
“We know that the current position is tough. Three points is three points and we have to do everything we can to win no matter who our opponent is. Tomorrow is a derby. It’s not a normal game. There are no favorites to win. We start 0-0 and have to go on the pitch with the right determination,” he said.
Kivu talks about tactical focus and team preparation
Chivu used his experience as a player to explain how he prepares his team for high-pressure matches.
“I’m new to coaching so this will be my first derby. Fortunately, I’ve been through derbies from the other side. I know how a week and derby days go and how the days themselves can be a bit long and the waiting too long.”
“You have to understand the maturity of our champions, how they are going through it. They are always trying to do their best and get the three points.
“It will be a beautiful match. I hope it will be an interesting match because it is an important image that we give Italian football to the world.”
He also elaborated on the motivation aspect, insisting that players must remain focused beyond the derby.
“Attention, determination, everything I’ve been telling you since I came here. Tomorrow, the team will give us something extra to motivate us. For them it’s normal, but for me it’s not the case, because even when we play against lower teams, we want this determination and aggression.”
“There are no favorites in the derby, it’s 50-50. We need to be determined, understand the moment, get the episode on our side and win a few more duels and challenges. That’s how we will achieve the result.”
Kivu full of praise for rivals Milan
Chivu was clear about Milan’s quality.
“We know the quality of Milan’s players. They are deadly in tight spaces and in open areas. They are strong. They can make you difficult. The game lives by incidents and sometimes your game plan can be disrupted by your opponents. They know the quality of Milan’s players. They are strong. They can make you difficult.”
“You have to prepare your team for multiple moments and events. The fundamentals are identity and stability, but you also have to rely on the intelligence of the players to understand the moments.”
He also spoke about Coach Allegri’s tactical approach.
“Max is a winner. We know what he’s doing and he’s won a lot of titles. If I remember correctly, he’s the coach with the most titles in Italy.
“He is a motivator. We cannot think of doing anything without preparing countermeasures for him, because sometimes we have to accept suffering if necessary. In order to be dominant without losing our balance, we have to be attentive and ready to do special things, both physically and mentally.”
“These are important things that allow you to take something special home.”
Inter vs Milan – Chivu praises Lautaro Martinez: the perfect striker
Chivu particularly praised captain Lautaro Martínez, calling him “the most complete striker in Serie A and one of the most complete strikers internationally”.
He elaborated on the Argentine’s importance in attack and defense:
“When defending, he is the first to press with intensity and determination, winning the ball and trying to play directly. He has scored a lot of goals and can play for many years. He still has potential to develop, but we are happy to have him as our captain.”
The coach also commented on fitness and squad rotation, noting that everyone is in good shape after returning from national team duty.
However, Denzel Dumfries will miss the Derby due to an ankle problem.
“Everyone is fine except Dumfries, who has an ankle problem and will be out tomorrow,” he admitted.
Inter vs. Milan – After praising Lautaro, Chivu talks about mentality, motivation and club philosophy
Chivu explained his approach to preparation beyond tactics, specifically explaining that he rejected the traditional team retreat in favor of flexibility.
“Retreat doesn’t guarantee victory. I’ve done a lot, but I haven’t won anything for years. It’s not retreat that gives me emotional serenity.
“We want our players to spend more free time with their families. We have a packed calendar and many are coming from national camps. We play in the evenings so it’s enough for us to spend a whole day together. We can never detain our players for 24 hours on such days,” he said.
Reflecting on past derby results, Kivu emphasized focusing on the present and instilling positivity.
“I’m not going to open any particular wound…We know our path and we know where we are at the moment. We’re more certain about where we want to go. I’m not interested in past actions.”
“Soccer is a beautiful sport and we want our players to give their best and bring their passion, grit and smiles. And they must remember the journey they have come so far and how much hard work they have put in.”
“We want them to have fun while taking responsibility for moving our projects and ambitions forward,” he explained.
About Kivu’s psychology and beauty
He also touched on the psychological aspects of football, urging the team to embrace joy and avoid negative thoughts. “With fun comes responsibility. It’s about being grateful for the little things, like today’s sun after yesterday’s snow. In soccer, anxiety presents the worst-case scenario. It’s deceptive.”
“Never communicate negative or anxious thoughts. They drain your energy and prevent you from performing your best as a person. Italian football has room for improvement, but we must never forget our identity, where we start and what we are doing.”
“This league is competitive and beautiful. Journalists smile more and don’t have to worry about conceded goals or 0-0 games. Football is still one of the best parts of this country.”
