Chivu previews Inter vs. Slavia: ‘Next big threat just around the corner’ | OneFootball

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu has warned that the ‘next big threat is always just around the corner’ in the Champions League as Inter prepare to take on Slavia Prague, and has confirmed that Yann Sommer will return to his starting position on Tuesday night.

The Nerazzurri will host Slavia Prague in San Siro on Tuesday evening (20.00 BST), after their 2-0 win over Ajax in the opening round of Champions League league phase fixtures a fortnight ago.

Inter had a slightly rocky start to their 2025-26 campaign, slipping to consecutive league defeats against Juventus and Udinese in September, but have since gone on to win their last three matches in a row across all competitions.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Chivu, speaking at his pre-match press conference, insisted that he is largely pleased with what he has seen from his players in the early stages of the season.

“I’ve always liked the performances I’ve seen even if we’ve not had much time to prepare. We have to think about the next game, because the next big threat is always just around the corner.

“I always expect continuity and attention to the maximum. I expect an increasingly dominant team, and we have to be good at understanding moments in-game. We have to understand what we need to do to bring home the victory.”

Chivu was asked what has surprised him the most about the current Inter squad at his disposal.

He replied: “The desire to be dominant and to make changes. This is a group of real men, and I’ve not taken their application for granted.”

And when asked how far Inter can go in this season’s Champions League, Chivu said: “We can’t look too far ahead. We have to keep our feet on the ground because expectations can create disappointment.”

Chivu gives Inter team update: ‘Time will come’ for Bonny

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu was asked when supporters might be able to see summer signing Ange-Yoan Bonny involved in the starting line-up.

He replied: “Everyone is making it difficult by training well. It’s up to me, I try to please everyone because they deserved it, and are valued. The right time will come for everyone. They’re always raising the bar. Everyone applies themself, as starters and as substitutes.

“I have 22 starters, that’s what I believe. If someone gives more, or if someone gives less, I always take the responsibility.”

And when asked whether Yann Sommer will return in goal after an opportunity for Josep Martinez during Inter’s 2-0 Serie A win over Cagliari this weekend, Chivu said: “Sommer will start from the beginning tomorrow.

“We’ve made changes since I’ve been here, and there’s always a meritocracy. I’m aware of the fact that you can’t lose that balance.”

FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 6: Yann Sommer goalkeeper of FC Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 6, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Where does Chivu feel that Inter have done well, defensively speaking?

“The pressure and the aggression on second balls. How we occupy the pitch, the desire to win duels.”

And what does he expect from Tuesday’s game against Slavia?

“A difficult game, like all matches in Europe. We know that they have continuity, they’re unbeaten this season and I’m sure they’ll want to play a great game.