Cristian Chivu on Inter's chaotic brilliance: 'We're not perfect'
After a 5-3 thriller against Udinese, Cristian Chivu defended goalkeeper Pepo Martinez and addressed injury concerns for Hakan Calhanoglu and John Stones ahead of the Roma clash.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Author: oscar federico bodini from Milan, Italy
Following a high-octane 5-3 victory against Udinese, Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu has reflected on his team's chaotic but effective brand of football. Much like their recent comeback against Napoli, the Nerazzurri found themselves trailing early at home before mounting a spirited offensive response.
"These are our qualities and what we know how to do. We can score a lot of goals and keep a high level. There is no perfect team, I have never seen one in my career. We will try to maintain our identity, obviously aware that we could run into difficulties in the future," Chivu told the media.
The manager acknowledged that the team's relentless offensive style, which has yielded 14 goals in four matches, leaves them vulnerable at the back, where they have conceded eight times. "If I don't say I'm worried, I'm not a coach, but this is today's football. We take risks because we want to play this style. We are not perfect, and we don't even want to be," he explained.
Chivu also offered a staunch defense of goalkeeper Pepo Martinez, dismissing media scrutiny as unnecessary. He emphasized that the club has no "goalkeeper problem" and that selections are based on merit, with Ivan Provedel also waiting for his opportunity.
Looking ahead, Inter faces a massive Scudetto showdown against Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma, with both sides entering the match boasting perfect records. The Nerazzurri face significant fitness concerns, with Hakan Calhanoglu sidelined by an adductor strain and John Stones a major doubt after limping off during the Udinese game.