Chivu: "A tough match. I want the team to be ready for anything" | OneFootball

The night before Inter are back in league action: following the great win in the Champions League against Slavia Praha, the Nerazzurri are ready to return to Serie A action. Inter take on Cremonese on Saturday at 18:00 CEST at San Siro:

Lots is being said about Inter's attack, which is the best in the Serie A. However, the team is finding defensive solidity "We've found balance and we've improve, also in attack. I am happy about this, because I always start from the idea of not conceding: I want the team to be alert, with the desire to defend and not concede"

What was so indispensable about Thuram for him to play seven games out of seven? "Marcus came off early against Cagliari, while I'd seen him and Lautaro playing perfectly against Slavia to create problems. The injury upsets us, but it's not a grave one: we will just have to wait for him to come back".

Will Bonny start tomorrow? Do you prefer “Pi-La” or “Bo-La”? "I don't know yet, we will see tomorrow. I can say that, Lautaro will play. In terms of his partner, I have an idea: I'm 90% sure".

In these seven games, you've had 20 different starters. Is it a choice to preserve energy and involve everyone. Will you continue alternating the goalkeeper? "For me, "the single person" does not exist. I'm not superstitious and I don't see ghosts. I do what I think is fair to manage a group of players, especially in weeks when we're playing every three days. There are no written rules in football: if there were, it'd mean that we can't go beyond them. There's no rule about playing one goalkeeper in the league and the other in the cup: it will change based on my feeling at the time. I don't want ego's in my team: I want everyone to understand the importance of one another".

When do you tell the players your team? "There are those who want to know it earlier, and those who want to know it right before the match, but in training I always shuffle the cards to give responsibility to my players. Some people sometimes get upset because they think they might not play, but each player needs to be ready and have the right attitude. Until now, I've always announced the team three hours before the match".

You’ve mentioned a few times that Inter kicked off pre-season later than others: do you think that the improvement in fitness has affected the team’s growth? “Fitness is very important, but I’ve never tried to find excuses. The team has been consistent since our very first match against Torino, and we have clearly improved with every match. It’s true that there’s also the risk of injuries, but the players are working well. We often work closely with the fitness coach. As staff, we are united and attentive in recognising what needs to be done and when. The players adapted quickly to our ways of working.”

How do you think the match against a newly promoted and unbeaten team will be? “Cremonese is a physical, organised, and well-coached team. They know their limits, but they have a good coach who knows how to make the most of the group’s potential. They have experienced players who recognise the key moments and play with passion and humility.”

Fans are curious about how Diouf’s doing: will he be on the pitch? “Diouf is the newest arrival to our team and needs time. He’s training well, and I can already see improvement compared to when he first arrived, when he was more reserved. He’s made a powerful impact: he’s attentive, and his teammates are supporting him. He has quality, determination, ambition, and a strong work ethic. Sooner or later, his opportunity to play will come as well.”

Do you expect more goals from the midfielders? “I expect the team to win, to be on the pitch with the right motivation, and always strive to be the best version of themselves. If we can achieve that, everything else will fall into place. It doesn’t matter who scores or who provides the assists; instead, it’s about who makes sacrifices. It’s key for ego to not get in the way; it’s the whole group as a team that counts.”

How much has Bonny improved, and what do you think his potential is? “The only thing that Bonny is missing is a starting spot, because so far he’s always come off the bench. But he will have his time to start as well. He’s a good player, and he, like all the players, knows how much I value him. I believe in young players, in their energy and motivation. Angie is one of them: he’s respected by the team, a key figure who always gives it his all. I’ve known him for a while, and I know what he can bring. He’s happy to play for Inter, whether he’s on the pitch for two minutes or thirty.”