Chivu: ‘Inter needed to be reassured and shaken up’

“This team needed to find its confidence, put the end of last season behind them, the disappointments after such high expectations. Unfortunately, football can be a bit of a bastard at times, and it leaves nasty feelings behind,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“The team needed to be understood, reassured, and also shaken up, because they still have that fire in them and desire to work hard to be at the top again this season.”

Pio Esposito has now scored his first goal in Serie A, the Champions League, and for the senior Italy squad, having turned 20 in June.

“Young players need to be given a chance, because if we wait too long, the years pass and they will never be ready,” warned Chivu.

“You have to throw them in there and see what they’re made of. If they have character, a work ethic and spirit of sacrifice, accompanied by teammates who know what they are doing, then it helps.”

Inter have now won seven games in a row between Serie A and the Champions League, despite missing injured Marcus Thuram.

Fabio Capello in the Sky Sport Italia studio said that Chivu’s approach to working psychologically with the players reminded him of himself.

“It is all down to the players, because they accept being trained and working hard, leaving their ego aside. I hope to have even half the career you did, I hope to be a winner like you. I was fortunate that you called me to Roma and let me play at a high level, so I thank you for that.

“We were also players, so we know talent is important in a squad, but that they need the right attitude too. I love when players are open to new ideas, to leaving their pride to one side, and putting themselves at the disposal of the group.”

Chivu had rotated the squad for this trip to Belgium, with an eye on this Saturday’s Serie A showdown with Napoli, who this evening were crushed 6-2 by PSV Eindhoven.

“I learned in life that when you win a game, you have to enjoy it, not think about the next one yet. Nothing is to be taken for granted, especially a 4-0 victory. I will have time to think about the next game.”