Chivu Demands His Players Show ‘Anger & Pride’ In Ajax Vs Inter Milan Champions League Opener | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu expects his side to return to their best in their opening Champions League clash against Ajax.

Speaking to Radio Rai 1 via FCInterNews, the 44-year-old urged his players to bounce back from last weekend’s loss at Juventus.

Despite a dream start, Cristian Chivu finds himself in peril in the early stage of his Inter tenure.

Indeed, back-to-back defeats to Udinese and Juventus have put him under heavy scrutiny.

Moreover, Inter lost both matches from winning positions, casting further doubt on Chivu’s managerial credentials.

However, the club directors remain firmly behind their choice.

Beppe Marotta picked the Romanian coach as the best candidate to replace Simone Inzaghi in the summer.

Only three games into the new season, many are already questioning his decision.

Perhaps with the Champions League opener, Chivu sees his chance to silence critics and restore confidence in his methods.

Cristian Chivu Urges His Inter Milan Side to Bounce Back vs Ajax

PARMA, ITALY – MAY 18: Cristian Chivu head coach of Parma calcio during the Serie A match between Parma and Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 18, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Inter reached two Champions League finals in the last three years of Inzaghi’s regime.

Despite losing both, Inzaghi set the benchmark for future managers, including Chivu.

“I take responsibility for the performance. Of course, it hurts not to take anything from the game,” Chivu said about the loss against Juventus.

“We showed quality, personality, and the desire to dominate the match. Even in difficult moments, when we fell behind twice, we didn’t lose composure and even managed to turn it around.

“What we lacked was management of the final ten minutes. We must learn from defeats and understand that at certain moments we need to do things differently from what we’re used to, without losing our certainties.

“This team can do many things, but it must improve in game management.”

As for Inter’s upcoming game against Ajax, Chivu expects his team to show the proper attitude.

“The beauty of football is that the next match comes immediately, and in it we must improve on Saturday’s performance,” he added.

“We need to find the aggression, pride, and anger that comes from the disappointment of losing to Juventus.

“This competition is one Inter always wants to honor, as in recent years.