Chivu responds to Inter critics: ‘I have a thousand other things to think about’ | OneFootball

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu is paying no attention to the critics of his side, claiming that he has ‘a thousand other things to think about’ as he prepares his side to take on Sassuolo in Serie A on Sunday evening.

The Nerazzurri return to Serie A action against Sassuolo on Sunday following their 2-0 victory over Ajax in the first round of Champions League fixtures on Wednesday evening.

The Serie A campaign, however, has got off to a disappointing start for the Nerazzurri, who have picked up just three points from their opening three matches of the season, which leaves them in 12th place in the table.

Their most recent defeat came at the hands of rivals Juventus in a 4-3 Derby d’Italia defeat last weekend.

Chivu on Inter critics, Lautaro and Josep Martinez, Luis Henrique and Diouf

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano reacts after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“I have a thousand other things to think about,” Chivu said in response to his critics at the beginning of his pre-match press conference on Saturday.

“The noise from critics is part of the game, it’s always been topical. I go about things in my own way, I’m busy doing things to help the players.

“The team deserves to be defended because it’s a strong group. The whole world was talking about them in March, then they had a bit of misfortune. We mustn’t forget that this team had a quality season. There are a thousand other adjectives I could use. They’re keeping me calm.”

Chivu also provided updates on the two players in his squad named Martinez.

He revealed that Lautaro was struggling to walk as a result of his back pains earlier this week, but he is now back and available to face Sassuolo on Sunday. Goalkeeper Josep Martinez is expected to be given an opportunity to start over Yann Sommer, meanwhile.

“Lautaro trained with us today. He always gives his best and has great understanding, even in the difficult moments. He couldn’t even walk on Wednesday, but he came to sit on the bench and would have been willing to come on. He’s available tomorrow. A Martinez will definitely play,” he joked.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale celebrates with teammate Marcus Thuram after scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

And on Sunday’s opponents, Chivu said: “Sassuolo are a well-prepared and serious team who can give us trouble. We need to be ready from every point of view.”

Will Pio Esposito start up front if Lautaro Martinez is not included in the starting line-up?

“I have to leave you with some doubts, but Pio has quality and hunger nd is doing really well. I like the way he presents himself in training. Everyone does the same, even Bonny, all the forwards and the whole group.”

Chivu was also asked when supporters might get an opportunity to see summer signings Luis Henrique and Andy Diouf in the starting line-up.

Andy Diouf with the Inter trophy cabinet (@inter)

He replied: “We will have an opportunity to watch them. The games we’ve played so far have not allowed us to make certain changes. However, I also feel for them, they are showing that they deserve to play.

“Andy is more of a mezzala, even if he’s had to play in a two-man midfield. I haven’t had the chance to test him as a playmaker yet. Luis Henrique can play on the right or the left. HE’s doing great things and will have an opportunity to show what he can do.”