Cristian Chivu humorously noted that he was “already in Inter’s history books” as a player, referencing the club’s Treble-winning season. As a coach, he aimed to leverage that experience with his squad. He also shared a personal insight: “I lost my ego during a life-and-death moment.”
Chivu, who achieved the Treble with Inter as a player in 2010, transitioned to coaching within the club’s youth academy, working with talents like Francesco Pio Esposito. Despite reports suggesting Cesc Fabregas was initially considered, Chivu has guided the team to their 21st Scudetto.
Chivu: ‘I was already in Inter history’
When informed about his place in Inter’s history, Chivu responded with his characteristic dry wit: “I think I already was before,” he admitted with a smile on DAZN Italia. “I had done a few things as a player… But I am happy for these lads, for this club, for these marvellous fans who supported us from the start.”
“I won’t go into the whole narrative from last season, the mockery and denigration of this group, but the lads did well to roll up their sleeves, be reborn, and find what it took for a new competitive season. This is the 21st title and another page in the glorious history of this club. I was younger then, I’ve got some grey hair now, but I am just as happy as when I was a player. The players deserve the credit today, they were marvellous.”
The Nerazzurri concluded the previous season without silverware, and Simone Inzaghi departed before the Club World Cup. Chivu took the helm after a brief stint in senior management at Parma. Few anticipated him securing the Serie A title with three games remaining, and he has the opportunity to complete a Double with the Coppa Italia Final against Lazio on May 13.
“For what this club represents, it was our duty to be competitive. There are ups and downs, the season is a marathon, and we were the most consistent team overall, even after losing a few games, because we always managed to react and get back on our feet,” Chivu added.
“I think in January and February we had 14 wins in 15 games, or something like that, we realised that we could do it. We also had to overcome difficult moments like the Champions League exit to Bodo/Glimt, defeat in the derby, but we always kept our heads up with dignity and the desire to be competitive to the end.”
While a draw would have been sufficient against Parma tonight, Inter secured a 2-0 victory with Marcus Thuram scoring for his fifth consecutive game, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan tapping in from a Lautaro Martinez assist.
“Obviously I am happy, and it’s only right the players take the credit, enjoying all the love and affection of these fans. It was an opportunity to seal the Scudetto in front of the supporters and we did it.”
Chivu appeared to vanish into the tunnel shortly after the final whistle. Addressing this, he explained: “I went to smoke a cigarette, I have some vices, sorry about that. But yes, they deserve it, so does the club, which always tried to comfort and support us in moments of need.”
When asked where he felt he made a difference as a coach, Chivu replied: “I am an unusual person, I had to talk to myself during a moment between life and death, so I lost my ego then. I don’t feel the need to talk about myself.” He was referencing a life-altering head injury he sustained as a player, which necessitated him wearing a protective helmet for the remainder of his career.
“I just try to be the best version of myself, to help these lads who sometimes need the carrot, sometimes the stick. I try to draw on the experience I had in many locker rooms, and try not to repeat the errors I dealt with as a player. I try to be empathetic, understanding, not to think about the consensus of critics outside, but only on what those who love me think. I am the coach, I will always be up for debate and at risk, that’s the job. You have to accept it, knowing you can only try to do your best. I want to also thank my staff, they are in the same boat as me.”
Traditionally, Serie A is won by the team with the best defense, but Chivu and Inter focused on building a formidable attack, scoring over 100 goals.
“We always wanted to be proactive, then depending on the opponents, we had different options, like two playmakers, dealing with their press. It’s also about understanding various moments of the game. My predecessors did a great job here too, so if these lads know certain things about the game, it is also thanks to those coaches who came before me, who made it easier for me and my staff. It is the players who win the titles and give you what you dreamed of as a child.”
Chivu managed to win the Scudetto against esteemed coaches like Antonio Conte, Max Allegri, and Luciano Spalletti.
“They are great coaches and I can only learn from them. I will continue learning from them, those coaches who are young like me can only keep learning,” concluded Chivu.