Chivu reveals what Jose Mourinho means to him ahead of Real Madrid clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid had quite an encouraging start to life with Jose Mourinho as they won their first three games of the season, especially impressing in the home games against Real Sociedad and Malaga. However, they suffered a painful defeat against Real Betis in their fourth game, which has significantly dampened the positive mood among the players and fans.

In such a context, the Merengues are set to begin their UEFA Champions League campaign, as they face the Italian champions Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu today, on Tuesday. Being two of the top teams in the competition, both of these sides will be keen to start their UCL campaign with a win.

Jose Mourinho expressed this desire as he addressed the press ahead of this match. Meanwhile, Cristian Chivu, the Inter coach, also spoke to the press ahead of this game, and as MARCA has noted, made some notable comments about Real Madrid and his previous coach, Jose Mourinho.

The Italian coach spoke highly of the Santiago Bernabeu and highlighted his relationship with Mourinho:

“We have an obligation to write important pages [in history]. That is what we are trying to do. It has reached a very important level. The stadium has been renovated; it is more beautiful, although it already was. Now it is modern, and we like having the opportunity to play a match here. Mourinho is a special person, and I was lucky to meet him. He helped me during a difficult moment, and I will never forget it.”

However, Chivu assured that he is not copying the Portuguese manager:

The Inter Milan manager admitted how difficult it would be playing at the Bernabeu:

“Playing here is not easy. It has been 60 years since we won here. There are many teams that have struggled here. We will do everything possible, everything we can. We want to show that we are competitive. There is no perfect way to face Real Madrid.”

The Italian coach also commented on the start of the Mourinho project at Real Madrid:

“It is very early. The beginnings are not easy for anyone, and the same goes for the new players. You have to deal with the pressure; playing for this club is not easy, and I think it has been a balanced start. They did not deserve to lose because they played well. Sometimes you don’t take the result home with you, but they know how to do it.”

“He is very good at immersing himself in the reality of the club he represents and transmitting his mentality. He is a winner. There are very few people like him in the world. He already proved it here, but also at the other places he has been. Real Madrid will have a great season, I am sure.”

The match against Inter Milan, one of the several sides with whom Jose Mourinho wrote history, will be a special game for the Portuguese coach. Hopefully, he, and his former protégé Chivu, will be able to put on an entertaining display for the spectators, as Real Madrid begin another UCL journey.