Inter Milan Head Coach Names Arsenal As ‘The Strongest Team Around’ Ahead Of Massive Champions League Clash | OneFootball

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has shifted focus to Arsenal after guiding the Nerazzurri to a sixth consecutive away win in Serie A.

Inter edged past Udinese 1-0 thanks to a goal from Lautaro Martinez, once again showing an ability to win difficult matches without dominating for long spells.

Speaking to Rai Radio 1, with quotes via FCInterNews, Chivu stressed that Inter are learning when to adapt rather than simply control games.

“We don’t have time to think about managing matches,” Chivu explained.

“We have to play our game based on the energy we have. We adapted and showed maturity. Beyond good football, we now know when to roll up our sleeves, defend more and protect a result.”

Inter Coach Chivu Wary Of ‘Strongest Team’ Arsenal

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Inter coach also highlighted the physical and mental demands of the current schedule, with January proving particularly intense.

“January is a difficult month because we play every three days,” Chivu said. “From the start of the year to early February we have eight matches in 25 days. We’re aware of the difficulties, but compared to the first half of the season we’re more mature and more competitive.”

Attention now turns fully to the Champions League and a defining clash at San Siro.

“If we want to earn points and reach the round of 16, we need a great performance,” Chivu admitted.

“Arsenal are the strongest team around, together with Bayern. We respect their level and know they will cause us problems.”

Inter, however, will not approach the match with fear.

“We’re well prepared for this competition,” Chivu concluded. “We know our strength. We’ll play with our heads held high and try to win, because that would give us a much better chance of reaching the knockout stage.”