Inter Milan President Insists Cristian Chivu ‘Was Never A Backup Choice, Despite What’s Been Written’ | OneFootball

Nerazzurri President Beppe Marotta insists that Cristian Chivu was “never a backup choice” to become Inter Milan.

Speaking at the 44-year-old’s unveiling as Nerazzurri coach, via FCInterNews, Marotta described Chivu as “made in Inter.”

Inter Milan have appointed Cristian Chivu as head coach.

The 44-year-old takes the place of Simone Inzaghi following his departure for Al-Hilal.

Chivu has just thirteen matches of senior coaching experience. These came in charge of Parma last season, where he kept the Emilian team in Serie A after a difficult season.

However, Chivu also has a very long association with Inter. Both as a player, and then as a coach at various youth team levels.

Therefore, the decision by Inter to make him coach can’t entirely have come as a surprise to the Romanian. However, for it to happen so soon was perhaps not expected.

Marotta: “Cristian Chivu Not A Backup Choice For Inter Milan”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 11: Head coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale Milano after disembarking at Los Angeles International Airport for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Inter unveiled Chivu as their new coach officially in Los Angeles, USA. The Nerazzurri are currently stateside for the Club World Cup.

“We’re in an unprecedented place and occasion,” commented Inter President Beppe Marotta. “We haven’t had this opportunity before.”

“I’m pleased to introduce Cristian Chivu to you,” he continued. “Our new coach.”

The Nerazzurri President then admitted that “the world of football is one where everything can burn up in an instant.”

“We separated from a coach who’s given us a great deal: Simone Inzaghi.”

“After four years, we came to the consensual choice to part ways,” said Marotta. “We parted on good terms. He allowed us to experience some great years at the top.”

“We found ourselves having to find a replacement in a short time,” admitted the Inter President.

“And with great speed, we identified in Chivu the perfect profile. This was a decision that we shared with the ownership.”

“This is not a backup choice, as has been written,” Marotta declared.

“It was a sudden choice. And there were a few contractual details to get sorted out, because he had been under contract with another club, Parma, who I thank.”

“We were able to appreciate him as a player,” Marotta said. “And when he coached the youth teams.”

“He became a Serie A coach, then,” the Inter President said of Chivu’s work with Parma. “And deservedly kept them up.”

Marotta: “Cristian Chivu Is Made In Inter”

PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Parma Calcio, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and Bologna at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 22, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The Inter President then declared that “we’re proud to have found a coach who was not made in Italy, but was made in Inter.”

“That’s not just a slogan for us,” he added.

“He has a style of football that fits perfectly with the ambitions of our club.”

“Next season we’ll once again be participating in all competitions,” Marotta noted. “And that’s not a small detail.”

“There’s bitterness after such a shock result,” the Inter President admitted of last month’s 5-0 Champions League final loss against Paris Saint-Germain. “But getting to compete with such big clubs isn’t easy.”

“We represent Italy. And no one else had managed to do it twice in such a short time.”

“The result is spectacular. But have to have the strength to move forward.”