Cristian Chivu agrees with the sentiment behind Lautaro Martinez`s comments, potentially aimed at Hakan Calhanoglu, but admits he expressed his views in a “more diplomatic” manner. Despite Inter`s exit from the Club World Cup following a defeat to Fluminense, Chivu maintains a positive outlook, seeing the situation as “glass half full”.
The Nerazzurri were considered favourites heading into the knockout tie, having progressed through their group. However, a defensive mix-up allowed German Cano to score early in the third minute. Inter had chances, including a close-range miss by Stefan de Vrij and efforts from Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco hitting the woodwork. Fluminense`s 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio also made several crucial saves. Hercules then sealed the 2-0 result in added time, capitalizing on another moment of defensive lapse from Inter. Chivu felt his side seemed to be physically “running on empty”.
Speaking to Sport Mediaset, Chivu commented on the match dynamics: “Fluminense were fresher and sharper. We didn’t have the right approach that I wanted on the field, we struggled with their intensity and high press. We were a bit presumptuous, trying to play it pretty when we should’ve done simpler things.” He added, “Overall, you could all see what our energy levels were. We tried to the end to turn it around, and were also unlucky hitting the woodwork twice and with that Stefan de Vrij chance. At the end of the day, we conceded two goals with the only two real shots on target.”
Chivu only took charge of the team days before the Club World Cup tournament began, following Simone Inzaghi`s departure to Al-Hilal. Reflecting on his brief tenure during the competition, which lasted four games, he highlighted the positives gained from the experience.
“I will take the three weeks that allowed me to get to know the group,” Chivu stated. “I got to know their strengths, weaknesses, their personalities and the attitude of a group of lads who after a difficult season had to scrape the bottom of the barrel.” Sticking to his positive outlook, he reiterated, “I always see the glass half full, otherwise it gives me a headache. So let’s build on these three weeks to plan for next season.”
The Club World Cup elimination marks the end of a disappointing season for Inter, which saw them miss out on domestic trophies and suffer a heavy defeat in the Champions League final. This backdrop has heightened tension around the club.
Captain Lautaro Martinez expressed strong feelings in his post-match interviews, in comments widely interpreted as a message to Hakan Calhanoglu, who has been linked with a transfer to Galatasaray. Lautaro firmly stated that anyone not fully committed to being at Inter should leave.
When asked about Lautaro`s candid remarks, Chivu replied, “We are winners, so we must dig deep for our pride and character.” He acknowledged the similarity in their messages: “I too said in my press conference that we must all work in the same direction, it’s just I was a bit more diplomatic and Lautaro went in studs-up. But this message is true for everyone, in a team and a club that wants to make up for a difficult season, we need to plan next term with ambition.”
