Cristian Chivu, the new Inter manager, has set ambitious targets for his first season at the helm, vowing to keep Inter competing at the highest level of Italian football. Last season ended in near-misses; Inter fell short in the Coppa Italia semi-final against rivals Milan, narrowly missed the Serie A title by a single point, and suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. Following Simone Inzaghi's departure, Chivu inherited the team, facing an immediate challenge in the Club World Cup, where they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Fluminense.
Despite the disappointments of last season, Chivu is focused on the future, asserting Inter's unwavering commitment to winning. "We’re starting again with the right mindset to carry on as a competitive team; that’s our goal," he declared. He emphasized Inter's historical ambitions and the team's impressive recent track record: "A winning side that has fought for titles, reaching two Champions League finals and one Europa League final, shows the strength, solidity, and awareness of what this team can deliver."
Chivu's approach is firmly focused on the present and future, rejecting any notion of dwelling on past failures. "We never look to the past; we’re not seeking revenge. We focus on the present and the future." he clarified. He highlighted the team's resilience and inherent quality. "This team, despite its ups and downs, has been built to be at the top, and that’s where it must stay, regardless of the titles we win."
Inter's early exit from the Club World Cup, despite an unbeaten group stage, provided valuable experience for Chivu. With the Serie A season looming, Inter face tough competition from title contenders Napoli, Juventus, and Milan, led by the recently appointed Massimiliano Allegri. However, Chivu dismissed the notion of Inter being underdogs, emphasizing hard work and discipline as the keys to success. "I don’t know about underdogs... at the start of the season, many teams claim to want to win, but in the end, it’s actions that count. To achieve results, you have to dig deep."
