Chivu urges Inter to ‘stand tall in the storm’ and reveals message to Lautaro Martinez | OneFootball

Inter coach Cristian Chivu says his team must “stay on their feet with their backs straight” when difficult moments arrive, as the Nerazzurri prepare to face Kairat Almaty in the Champions League.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, Chivu warned against underestimating their Kazakh opponents: “It’s never easy to win in these competitions. They went through four preliminary rounds, we must respect them and stay focused.”

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Cristian Chivu head coach of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Chivu talks mentality ahead of Inter vs Kairat

The Inter boss also discussed his squad’s mentality: “We’re working to keep improving and find consistency. There will be storms, that’s football and life. What matters is staying up straight with your head held high.”

Chivu praised the maturity of his squad, including Carlos Augusto, before discussing selection choices and leadership in the group. “Whoever starts or comes on makes a difference,” he said. “Lautaro isn’t a problem, he’s an example in how he works. If the striker doesn’t score, someone else will.”

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale stands disappointed in front of referee Maurizio Mariani during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Chivu: ‘I told Lautaro to smile more’

Asked about Lautaro Martinez’s mindset, Chivu revealed his personal message to the captain: “Sometimes the weight of responsibility clouds his thoughts. I told him to smile more, he knows who he is, how much he works and what he represents for us.”

Inter currently go into the match against Kairat with a 100% record and are yet to concede a goal in the competition, the only team aside from Premier League goliaths Arsenal.