Inter, Chivu: “We need to be carefree. Carboni’s goal moved me”

SEATTLE – After his first victory as coach of the Inter of the greats, Christian Chivu asks the team to recover the reckless enthusiasm of when they were kids: “We need lightheartedness. Things didn’t go as we wanted in the first match of this Club World Cup. But in both games I liked to see the reaction, the pride. We have to believe, fight, bring out the best”. Before the coach, Alessandro Bastoni had also indicated the need to be light-headed and have fun.

The tactical turning point against Urawa

Commenting on the 2-1 comeback against Urawa Red Diamonds – now mathematically eliminated from the competition – the 44-year-old Romanian analysed: “After watching them play against River Plate, I didn’t expect this low block. I started the match with two players under the striker, to create superiority in the middle of the pitch, thinking that they would catch us high up. Instead, on the contrary, they created density in the area and forced us to cross. I had to change the plan. I asked my players to shoot more at goal. I added two mezzali”.

A united group beyond injuries

Chivu, who will face River Plate in the third match of the group, is enjoying the moment: "When you win it's always nice, but I would have been satisfied with the performance even with a different result". As for the spirit of the group of players, even those who haven't set foot on the field, he says: "We have the obligation to stay in the same boat, row in the same direction and overcome the difficulties. And that's what I'm seeing. The boys are very available to me, even those who returned late from their commitments with the national teams. I'm happy to have everyone here, even if some have to stay in the stands because they haven't recovered from injuries and ailments".

Carboni and Lautaro, goals and emotions

The two goals for Inter were scored first by captain Lautaro Martinez , then, in injury time, by Valentin Carboni , who Chivu raised in the youth team, like the Esposito brothers, who took turns on the pitch against the Urawa Reds: “Our captain is managing to make a difference in this tournament too, despite coming off nine months of struggle and hard work. As for the younger guys, Pio Esposito was thirteen when I started working with him. Valentin told me that it’s been exactly eight months since his cruciate ligament injury. He’s experienced hard work, darkness, uncertainty. I was moved to see him emotional after the goal. I’m happy that he can experience strong emotions like tonight’s goal, after everything he’s been through.”