Cristian Chivu Establishes Leadership At Inter Milan After Navigating First Real Crisis

At the Club World Cup, Cristian Chivu had the opportunity to start to remodel the team tactically.

The 44-year-old took charge of a total of four matches with the Nerazzurri.

However, it was after the last of those four matches, a surprise 0-2 loss against Fluminense, that the atmosphere shifted.

There were some positive signs in Chivu’s first three matches in charge in the group stage. And a feeling that there was a grace period for the inexperienced new coach.

However, after the loss to Fluminense, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez completely lost his cool, all but calling out Hakan Calhanoglu over transfer rumours, and threatening to throw the dressing  room into crisis.

This led to plenty of upheaval behind the scenes.

But according to the Gazzetta, Cristian Chivu took this as an opportunity to assert control.

The Romanian had been walking on eggshells a bit before then, naturally. However, he needed to use both a firm hand and a fair bit of tact to deal with the squad after Martinez’s outburst.

Now, the Gazzetta reports, Chivu finds himself in firmer control.