Chivu says Inter ‘cannot change’ the past as they look to bounce back from PSG thrashing | OneFootball

New Inter head coach Cristian Chivu says his side must not dwell on their heavy Champions League final defeat to PSG.

Chivu was appointed by Inter after Simone Inzaghi deaprted the Nerazzurri following their Champions League final defeat to PSG to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Chivu joined from fellow Italian side Parma after keeping them up in Serie A.

The Romanian was part of the Inter side that won the treble under Jose Mourinho in 2010, and returns after just 13 matches in charge at Parma, his first senior managerial job.

The 44-year-old has called on his side to forget the past and focus on their Club World Cup campaign, starting with Mexican side CF Monterrey.

“We can’t think about the past, because we can’t change that,” Chivu said. “We have to think that this is the end of the 2024-25 season, and that this is a competition that must be honoured for a team like Inter. You have to come here and be the best version of what this team is.

“We can’t look for excuses or alibis about physical condition, just as we can’t look at their mental condition.

“We are ready, we have tried to work hard over the last few days, to create a tea with mental and physical sharpness that will allow us to have some good performances.”

Chivu was also asked about whether he would stick to similar tactics to Inzaghi, which took Inter to two Serie A titles and two Champions League finals during the Italian’s tenure.

“I think, in Italy, we’re too tied to what systems and modulus are used,” Chivu replied.

“What matters is the principle of play, which is more important than any game system. Obviously Inter have benefited from this system of play in recent years, however, the most important thing is having the principles that has allowed them to achieve some important results.

“You can never lose the principles, you need a lot of fluidity, a lot of mobility, a lot of asymmetry. But this team has always had principles.

“We will try to add a little more, it’s obvious that it’s not going to be easy. We need time before preparing for this match, but we will probably see something as early as tomorrow.”