New Inter Milan Head Coach Confident Despite Mixed Start: “Know What I Can Give To This Team” | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu believes he can lead the team to new heights after taking over the reins earlier in June.

Speaking to Sport Mediaset via FCInterNews, the 44-year-old reiterated his self-confidence ahead of tonight’s massive showdown.

Indeed, Inter will take on River Plate in a decisive FIFA Club World Cup Group E encounter in Seattle.

Both teams have yet to lose a game in the United States but could still exit the competition after tonight.

With third-placed CF Monterrey only two points behind, this a textbook definition of a ‘must-not-lose clash.’

Asked how he feels about the game, Cristian Chivu replied: “The same responsibility we’ve had since the tournament began.

“We’ll face them with the same mentality and desire to be decisive and play the game like we’ve always done during this group stage.”

Unfortunately, Inter will take the field without several first-team stars.

Indeed, Marcus Thuram, Hakan Calhanoglu, Mehdi Taremi, Davide Frattesi, and Piotr Zielinski are out of the squad.

The same goes for Benjamin Pavard and Yann Bisseck, leaving Chivu strapped for reliable defensive options.

Cristian Chivu Confident He Can Make Notable Results with Inter Milan

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“I am who I am,” Chivu said. “I know what I can give to this team and will try, as I’ve always done, to give my all on a human and professional level.

“Moreover, I want to show sensitivity at the right moments and to know when I also need to be tougher.

“I’m blunt and sincere, I always say what I think regardless of who’s in front of me.”

Meanwhile, Inter bounced back from a 1-1 draw against Monterrey with a late 2-1 comeback win over Urawa Reds.

Asked whether that result has changed something, Chivu replied: “What changed is that we’ve spent more days together.

“Before the match against Monterrey, we’d only been together for two days.

“Getting to know each other and having time to be together is always nice, even if holding a training camp at the end of the season is never ideal.

“But we’ve had their full commitment, the best attitude, and seriousness for this tournament. We want to advance and go as far as possible.”

Cristian Chivu on Francesco Pio Esposito

TIRRENIA, ITALY – OCTOBER 12: Francesco Pio Esposito of Italy U21 looks on during the Friendly Match between Italy U21 and Italy U18 on October 12, 2023 in Tirrenia, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

With Thuram and Taremi out of the squad, Inter will rely on Francesco Pio Esposito in this crunch fixture.

“I’m very happy for this kid because he represents the whole youth academy journey,” Chivu praised the teenager.

“”I met him when he was in the Under-14s, then we started working together again with the Under-19s and now he’s in the first team.

“The other day he came on at halftime — now he might start or come off the bench.

“What I know, not just about him but about all the guys I have available, is that they’ll always try to give their all.

“That’s the most important thing.”

Finally, he admitted what he wanted from this Inter team.

“I always look at the human side because for me that’s fundamental.

“In difficult moments you need to find a little affection and kindness, the right words.

“We do it as a staff, and they do it among themselves. They get along well, and we already knew that.”