Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published on Thursday, 04 December 2025, 07:48 / Updated on Thursday, 04 December 2025 07:50
Inter qualified for the “quarters” of the Italian Cup after 5-1 Venezia, but their players were upset by the goal conceded in the second division.
For Inter, the duel in the “eights” of the Cup, with Venezia, was a successful training. Cristi Chivu came with a lot of news in the first eleven, but the Serie B opponent also presented himself with a lot of reservations.
That is probably why Chivu's players reacted in frustration when, at 4-0, the visitors reduced the handicap through Sagrado (66). Confronted with their reaction at the press conference, the Inter coach said: “If the players are upset because of the goal they conceded, then I'm happy. I'm happy with their attitude, their respect for the opponent, their mentality.”
Cristi Chivu: “It's not easy when you have a group that knows each other well”
Chivu started the talented Diouf and Pio Esposito, who thanked him with a goal each, and in front of the cameras he had a positive message for them. “It is to their credit and to the others who accepted them into the group. It's not easy when you have a group that knows each other well. But those who have been here for many years have welcomed these guys with open arms, who have integrated well. Their development can improve”, Chivu pointed out.
When a journalist brought to his attention that “your forwards have incredible numbers”, the Romanian coach did not take any credit and put everything on them: “The credit goes to those who selected them and brought them here, then it's the credit to the players themselves, who integrated well, and to their teammates who helped them. They know they can improve, the positive thing for me is that they work hard because they are not satisfied.”
Cristi Chivu: “I pretended that nothing happened”
Chivu then spoke about Bonny and Thuram scoring one and two goals respectively. “Bonny didn't look like he was recovering from a three-day fever. I told him he would play 15 minutes but I pretended nothing happened and put him on the pitch for the last half hour because I didn't want to leave Thuram on the pitch for more than 60 minutes.
I didn't keep my word, I'm glad he scored a goal that dispelled his negative thoughts. We need everyone's input in this season where we play every three days,” Chivu concluded.
