Ex Inter Milan Midfielder Delivers Verdict On Cristian Chivu Early Tenure: “Good But Not Extraordinary” | OneFootball

Former Inter Milan midfielder Stephane Dalmat believes Cristian Chivu has yet to instill his philosophy at San Siro.

Speaking to Tribuna.com via FCInterNews, the Frenchman delivered his verdict on Chivu’s early days in charge of the Nerazzurri.

Cristian Chivu returned to Giuseppe Meazza in June.

Indeed, after conquering the famous treble as a player and coaching the Primavera side, he has taken a new role in Milan.

With Simone Inzaghi suddenly deciding to swap Inter for Al-Hilal, time was of the essence for the 20-time Italian champions.

Beppe Marotta had to act swiftly to fill the vacancy, with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup waiting in the wings.

Despite initially pursuing Como boss Cesc Fabregas, Inter had to admit defeat, as the Spaniard chose to stay at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

Therefore, the Nerazzurri turned to Chivu, who had only had 13 Serie A games under his belt as a manager.

However, the Romanian has defied his lack of experience, achieving impressive results this season.

Stephane Dalmat Unimpressed with Inter Milan Coach Cristian Chivu

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Despite being a coach with limited experience, he has shown that he can do well match after match,” Dalmat said. “He will improve further.

“He’s doing a good job, but not an extraordinary one,” the Frenchman added.

“The problem is that, in my opinion, Inter have less quality than everyone wants to make out.

“And even though they are doing well overall, they still haven’t fully found Chivu’s style.”

Asked whether they need reinforcements in January, Dalmat replied: “They already have a good squad.

“In the summer, they signed several young players who need to be given more trust.

“If they have to do something important, it’s better to do it from next season.”

Then, he offered his opinion on Andy Diouf’s rough patch.

“He’s growing, but he hasn’t yet shown all his qualities,” Dalmat stated. “Moreover, he’s not playing in his natural position.

“Chivu needs to give him more trust.”

Furthermore, Dalmat jumped to Ange-Yoan Bonny’s defense following a missed penalty against Bologna.

“Penalties are only missed by those who take them. I consider him an interesting player.

“He needs more continuity, even though he faces very strong competition.”

Meanwhile, he assessed Marcus Thuram’s dip in form.

“For me, it’s the consequence of last season, which left its mark both physically and psychologically.”

Finally, Dalmat named AC Milan, Roma, Juventus, and Napoli as Inter’s fiercest Scudetto rivals.