Inter Milan Head Coach Admits ‘Sometimes You Have To Eat A Bit Of S**T’ To Get Job Done’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu addressed the press in the build-up to a crunch FIFA Club World Cup clash between Inter Milan and River Plate.

During an extensive interview via FCInterNews, Chivu talked about an improved atmosphere in the dressing room.

Though unbeaten after the first two Group E outings, the Serie A runners-up have not been their best version in the United States.

Indeed, they had to fight back from an early deficit in both matches, albeit with a different outcome.

After a 1-1 draw against CF Monterrey, they orchestrated a late comeback to beat Urawa Reds 2-1.

Therefore, a draw will suffice on the final day as Inter bid to reach the knockouts in the tournament’s new format.

Real Madrid-bound Franco Mastantuono will be under the spotlight, requiring special attention from Inter’s backline.

“He’s a 2007-born kid with plenty of matches behind him, and I like watching him,” Chivu praised the teenager.

“I always wondered who he reminds me of – with that left-footed touch he seems like Di Maria.

“He’s strong and will surely be a future star of football. He’ll go to Real, it won’t be easy, but I’m sure he’ll measure up.”

However, the Nerazzurri have talented youngsters of their own.

Francesco Pio Esposito and Valentin Carboni have shown plenty of promise in the United States.

“Pio Esposito and Carboni have a different experience,” Chivu added. “I don’t class them among the ‘young ones’ – they raise the training level.”

Cristian Chivu Expects River Plate to Give Inter Milan Run for Their Money

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)

Tonight’s match has all the makings of a ‘make or break’ fixture.

With third-placed Monterrey two points adrift, there’s no margin for error.

Therefore, Cristian Chivu expects his side not to take this game lightly.

“We expect a tough match, just like the previous two. Some teams have higher ambitions, they want to put on a show and make it difficult for you.

“Then we speak of teams with better fitness compared to European sides at season’s end, so it’s not easy. But in football, nothing is ever easy.

“We must find mental and physical energy to tackle a match like this in a competition like this. On the pitch we can’t complain.”

Meanwhile, Chivu praised River Plate and their manager, Marcelo Gallardo.

“I have huge respect,” the Romanian stated. “He’s a fantastic coach. He was an important player for River and the national team.

“And as River’s coach he’s achieved great results. River is a good team with players who experienced European football.

‘They have world champions, there’s Mastantuono who we’ll soon see at top levels.

“Personally, I’ll be happy to see Colidio again, who I had in Primavera for a few months. I can’t wait to hug him tomorrow.

“River is a great club, they made history; it’s a powerhouse of South American football alongside a few others.

“We in Europe watch them closely for what they’ve contributed to world football in terms of results and individual players.

Then, he talked about the conditions in the United States.

“We’re used to adapting. Even at UCLA, there were some small issues, but the facilities the U.S. have provided are top-notch.

“Of course, it’s not Europe – this is an American football stadium, with re-laid synthetic turf.

“These are the conditions; they could have been better, but they’re not bad.”

Recovery Slowed Down by Media

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Asked whether some extra pressure may affect Inter tonight, Chivu replied: “No, nothing changes. We came with that mentality; there are no must-win games.

“We came with maximum responsibility and seriousness.

“After a draw and a win, we’re probably in better shape than expected, especially after the first game when some were pessimistic.

“We’ll play our game like always, trying to give our best.”

However, the media pressure has threatened to undermine the atmosphere in the locker room.

Yet, Chivu has found a solution.

“They followed my advice not to read newspapers and comments,” he claimed. “Guys, a month has passed since Munich, yet every day I read the same things about that result.

“Everyone says we need to move on, but if we say the same thing every day, it’s hard to do it.

“I believe they listened, and have stopped reading. We’ve played on something fundamental in football and life.

“Finding humanity, a bit of kindness and care, to quickly forget what life gives you because often it gives unpleasant moments.

“But when you have people next to you looking you in the eye without asking elsewhere the questions, everything becomes simpler.

“This team has motivation and mentality – they’ve shown it in recent years reaching three European finals in a short time.

“A second star, they’ve achieved important results. Of course, many focus only on those, but not me because champions always bring out extra motivation.

“They know what counts is tomorrow and the next game when you need to roll your sleeves up.

“Sometimes you have to eat a bit of shit, not just step in it. And sometimes you have to accept that shit must be chewed well, looking at yourself in the mirror and accepting that you must sometimes do that.

“Their responses mean a lot to me. Even in this difficult time they always try to look one another in the eye and do again what they’ve done in the last five years.”

Formation Changes & Rising Stars

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Luis Henrique #11 of FC Internazionale Milano looks on prior to 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)

“What we can control is what we do today and what we’ll try tomorrow,” Chivu continued. “Qualification isn’t secured yet so I can’t think about what might come next.

“We must focus on tomorrow. That’s the most important thing. Understand whether River will mirror us, whether they will play as they have so far.

“That matters only so far because we must look at ourselves, at what we must do, be ready to understand the phases of the match and how to influence them.

“We must be aware that during a game there are different phases – understand the moment and adapt to what the others seek to do without forgetting what we want to do.

‘Furthermore, we have very solid principles and values.

“We add something sometimes, when needed, hoping that our performance is of the highest level and enables us to advance.”

Finally, he spoke of the newcomers and young guns waiting for their chance to shine.

“I’m happy for all the young players and the squad who threw themselves into the group.

“I’m pleased for the injured players, as well as the new arrivals, even if some aren’t happy with their performances.

“But let’s not forget these guys have had few training sessions, they arrived and immediately gave their all.

“And we mustn’t forget this is an official tournament, a world championship – it’s not summer friendlies.

“Remember the context: they came and gave their all.

“Luis Henrique, after just two sessions, said at minute 75 that he could make it, even though I knew he couldn’t.

“That’s a display of character that I like.

“This applies to all the youngsters, including Primavera players: Cocchi, Re Cecconi, De Pieri, Berenbruch.”