Cristian Chivu Named Romanian Coach Of The Year: “Inter Milan Are Like A Washing Machine, You Hit Your Head Everywhere” | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu has been named the Romanian Coach of the Year for 2025.

Speaking to Gazeta Sporturilor via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old revealed his excitement for receiving this prestigious award.

Indeed, he oversaw just 13 Serie A matches at Parma before returning to San Siro in a different role in June.

After an illustrious career as a footballer, Chivu is now making strides in the dugout.

Despite his lack of experience, he has steered the Nerazzurri to the top of the Serie A table.

Inter spent Christmas on the summit and will look to preserve their spot when they take on Atalanta on Sunday.

Furthermore, the 20-time Italian giants are on the verge of securing an automatic last-16 berth in the Champions League.

Therefore, it’s unsurprising that Chivu has become one of the most promising young managers in European football.

Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Excited After Being Named Romanian Coach of the Year

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 20: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano attends a press conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“Everything depends on the group, on the team you work with, on the successes you achieve, or the positive things you’ve done,” Chivu said.

“To win an individual award, many factors come into play. Now, as a coach, you depend on results and on the status you manage to earn.

“I thank Gazeta Sporturilor for this award, but I also thank all the coaches who try to do this job to the best of their ability.

“It’s a profession where the training you do matters, what you manage to convey, and what the players are able to understand.

“That’s why I thank everyone, because I know it’s not easy. I know how much work, tension, and passion each of them puts in to achieve success.”

Then, he explained how he swapped Parma for Inter, almost out of the blue.

“We rolled up our sleeves, worked hard, believed in it, and stayed optimistic,” Chivu added. “In the end, that’s what matters.

“Believing with all your heart that you can make it. And I did!

“I would have stayed at Parma; I was supposed to extend my contract and was in a renegotiation phase.

“But Inter stepped in because Simone Inzaghi had left, and I was fortunate enough to be appointed coach here.

“I was waiting for the right opportunity to do what I wanted.

“It was quite a long wait, and in February, the chance came to go to Parma in Serie A, where not many people thought I would succeed.

“But I had the opportunity to experience 13 matches in three months, on a path that led to achieving the objective.

“This, despite many being sceptical because of a very tough fixture list. It seemed impossible for Parma to stay up.”

Cristian Chivu Comments on His New Inter Milan Experience

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on 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)

In addition to winning the historic treble as a player, Chivu had coached the Primavera before returning to the club as a senior manager.

“It’s different, even though I knew most of the people here,” he claimed. “For six years, I was present day after day, week after week at the training ground.

“I knew who I was dealing with, who I was working with.

“And I knew the players, the value of the team, the squad, and the expectations people generally have of a club like Inter.

“Results are the most important thing,” Chivu continued. “It’s like a washing machine that’s always running and makes you bang your head against every wall.

“You never have peace; you’re always under pressure for results. You play every three days, you don’t even have time to train.

“I experienced something similar as a player, now as a coach.

“But it’s a different management strategy, a different methodology. With the help of the staff and the experience I gained as a player.

“I manage to create my own comfort zone and set certain priorities toward the group, the team, the club, and the fans.”

Finally, he revealed how he copes with the pressure.

“I know the responsibility I have and what it means to represent Inter at this level,” Chivu stated. “And I don’t complain.

“I like responsibility, I like criticism.

“I like many of the things that keep me awake and help me stay grounded, regardless of results.