Inter Milan Head Coach Cristian Chivu Demands More Aggression After Defeat To Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Inter Milan returned from Madrid with a 2-1 defeat against Atletico in the Champions League, but coach Cristian Chivu is already demanding a mental reset from his players.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInter1908, the Nerazzurri were back on the training pitch the morning after their late-night return.

Indeed, with the Romanian insisting that the team must show more aggression and focus.

Chivu highlighted the recurring pattern of dominating large portions of matches but failing to convert it into results.

“It fills up and then deflates. The team lights up for the quality of play, then dies in front of the bare result,” the newspaper notes, reflecting the coach’s frustration.

Chivu Urges More Aggression After Inter Milan Defeat To Atletico

MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 12: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Pre-season Friendly match between AC Monza and FC Internazionale at U-Power Stadium on August 12, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

During a meeting with the squad, he stressed that the issue is not purely tactical but psychological, pointing to concentration lapses and inconsistency over 90 minutes.

Set-pieces remain another focus.

“The problem isn’t man-marking or the physical ability of our top jumpers, it’s the capacity to stay focused all the time,” Chivu reportedly told his players.

He also emphasized the need for physicality and grit, noting that “a team that plays nicely must also get dirty and be aggressive to become a winning side.”

Ahead of the Champions League clash with Liverpool, Chivu has set clear targets: three must-win Serie A matches against Pisa, Venezia, and Como.

These games represent an opportunity to rebuild confidence and refocus the team on both mentality and performance.

For Chivu, improving mental resilience is as crucial as tactical preparation as Inter aim to stabilize their season in Italy and Europe.