Como 3-4 Inter Milan – Cristian Chivu Praises ‘Secret Weapon On Set Pieces’ & Jokes ‘We’re Happy To Be Closer To UCL Qualification’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu celebrated Inter Milan’s extraordinary 4-3 victory at Como with a mix of relief, pride and characteristic dry humour, praising his squad’s maturity and resilience while dodging Scudetto talk with the kind of deadpan wit that has become one of his trademarks this season.

Inter trailed at the Sinigaglia before completing a dramatic comeback that extended their advantage at the top of Serie A to nine points.

The head coach spoke to DAZN immediately after the final whistle, his emotions visible from the first word.

“Simple it was not, we knew that,” Chivu began, with quotes via FCInterNews.

“We were facing a team fighting for something important and they showed it in the first half with mobility, speed and pressure delivered with real intensity.

“We were in difficulty, we went two goals down, then we found the 2-1 which gave us confidence. In the second half we raised the tempo and showed some character. We did it, but it was not simple.”

Inter scored just before half-time, only moments after Como had doubled their lead.

If ever there was a perfect time to kick-start a comeback,

Chivu admitted as much, via FCInterNews, “scoring before half-time was crucial, and it helped us a lot.”

On the role of set pieces in the comeback, Chivu was effusive, and gave a revealing insight into the morning’s preparation.

“This morning we trained only on set pieces, preparing them as well as possible knowing they are a great opportunity to score. We have great deliverers and great aerial players, it would be a shame not to exploit them.”

The fruits of that work, clearly, were on full display.

Como 3-4 Inter – Chivu: ‘I’ll Be Like My Peers And Say We’re Happy To Get Closer To UCL’

On whether the result confirmed Inter as Scudetto champions, Chivu referenced the other Serie A coaches who talked solely about the Champions League, delivering his most memorable line of the evening.

“I will do like my colleagues who talk about Champions League qualification, I say we are happy to be getting closer to that objective. The mathematics still says no.”

A knowing reference to the coaches who downplay title talk, delivered with a smile.

On Dumfries‘ impact and what his return has meant for Inter’s attacking play, Chivu was candid about how much the Dutchman had been missed.

“He was missed, beyond the work Luis Henrique did. With him we have more depth, an extra weapon on set pieces.

“Luis perhaps has more ball control and gives us some extra passing options, he is good at managing the ball. But Denzel has physical power, presence in the box and always arrives well at the back post, as he showed today.”

It was a response that captured everything about this Inter side, methodical preparation, collective character and a coach who never stops thinking about the next goal.