Chivu: Luis Henrique treatment ‘not fair’ despite 33rd minute substitution | OneFootball

Inter head coach Luis Henrique says that it is ‘not fair’ the way that Luis Henrique has been treated at Inter, despite bringing him off after just 33 minutes during Friday night’s 6-2 victory against Pisa.

Inter fell 2-0 behind at home against the relegation-threatened Pisa on Friday night, before fighting back to record what was eventually a statement 6-2 win, which has sent the Nerazzurri six points clear at the top of the Serie A table.

Among the star performers on the night was Italy international Federico Dimarco, who came up with a goal and an assist after being introduced as a first-half substitute.

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 23: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s sixth goal with Federico Dimarco during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

What Chivu said about early Luis Henrique substitution in Inter 6-2 Pisa

It was Luis Henrique who was sacrificed in order to make way for Dimarco, with Carlos Augusto shifting over to the right flank.

Chivu was asked about his decision to replace the Brazilian after 33 minutes with the team 2-0 down during his post-match press conference.

The Nerazzurri head coach said that he wants to protect Luis Henrique, and believes that the way he has been treated by some fans and media outlets is ‘not fair’.

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 23: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu embrace his player Luis Henrique after substitution during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“(It was) a change that came from my reading of the game, our attack depended on the quality of the crosses. We needed quality on the left,” Chivu said during his post-match press conference late on Friday night.

He continued: “I defend Luis Henrique because it’s right to do so given what he’s done, despite the labels he’s been given.

“Some of our fans are maybe conditioned by what they read or listen to. They don’t forgive him for anything and that’s not fair. Fans can do what they want, but they have to support him because he’s part of this squad of 25 wonderful players. You shouldn’t boo at the first mistake.”