Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Monday, January 19, 2026, 4:52 p.m. / Updated Monday, January 19, 2026, 4:52 p.m.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu (45) spoke to the media ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League home game against Arsenal, scheduled for 10pm. The Gunners are the only team with a perfect record so far in the top competition, something Chivu knows very well.
“We are facing one of the strongest teams in Europe. They have invested, they have a well-defined identity, they are constantly developing and they were one step away from the Premier League title. We are aware of the difficulties in the Champions League and against English teams, but I am equally aware of what we stand for.
From what we have achieved in Europe in recent years. Right now, Arsenal and Bayern are the strongest teams in Europe, but they also know who we are. That doesn't mean we enter the field as losers. We will show the best version of ourselves”, the Romanian began, quoted by sportal.bg.
Cristi Chivu, optimistic before the match with Arsenal
“It takes a proactive approach, a willingness to recover the ball, to take risks, because we have players capable of maintaining that level of concentration. Aroute? There is always something to learn. He is an enthusiast, he tries to take the right things. He shows that he is a strong coach with a lot of ambition at a club with tradition.” continued the coach of Inter.
“How are the players? Dumfries is unavailable, so he hasn't recovered. Darmian has already joined the group. Calhanoglu is unavailable, Palacios could be included in the squad, Josep Martinez is available again,” said the Romanian technician.
Finally, Chivu also addressed the situation in the transfer market related to Davide Frattesi: “I have always said that all players are a valuable resource for this season.” Asked about Federico Dimarco, he replied: “He is the one who teaches me many things. I was a weaker player than him.”
The standings in the Champions League
