According to "Varzesh3", the 43-year-old Chivu also praised the leadership of Marcus Thuram and, defending the young Lavelli, asked that he be left in peace so he can grow and blend in with the squad.
Chivu's press conference:
"We are not perfect, we are still hungry" — you said that in previous press conferences. Is that a summary of this match?
"We played a good game, then fell behind to a surprise shot. But I liked the team's attitude. I would have said the same even if the game had ended 0-1 today, but given the performance we produced, I am very happy. The mental side matters a lot, and today we did not let fear or injustices overwhelm us; that is the product of the work of these lads and this group. The substitutes also added something to the team today."
Can you tell us how you turned Thuram into the player we see today?
"I do not know whether it was my work or Zidane's. He shows his leadership and, at a time when Lautaro is absent, takes on the responsibilities. During the break he had the chance to spend three weeks with me. Today Thuram, even with 90 minutes in his legs, burst into the penalty area in the 100th minute with devastating power. When he joins in with that speed and storms toward you, there is always a scoring threat. We gave him a few days' rest."
Thuram has scored 56 goals in 50 games, but never takes penalties.
"We have good penalty takers for that. He enjoys himself, and I know he is very generous in handing penalties to others. We hope he starts taking penalties too, but I doubt it. Let us value the positive things he offers. His mental side and maturity are completely evident. Not being called up to the France national team gave him extra motivation."
Did you see the same toughness today that you saw against Shakhtar?
"Yes, even though the team's energy was low. It was not easy in the first half today because they were organized, but I saw the eagerness to show toughness. We play every 3 days and we have to understand some circumstances too. We added what was needed; we fell behind and there was a risk the team would fall apart, but we kept our composure and went to turn the result around. We did not give up. Falling behind in several consecutive matches can create doubts. We must never be satisfied."
How important was the tactic of crowding the penalty area with Lavelli's presence, and what prospects does he have at this Inter?
"The decision to add another striker was taken because few of our players were present in the penalty area. In the one-on-one situations of Diouf and Bonny, we had no one in the box. I prefer to speak cautiously about young players; we always make the mistake of exaggerating and over-hyping them. They have to play, and I do not look at their dates of birth. It must be accepted that entering an already-formed team is sometimes not simple. They must be ready when they get an opportunity. Seeing Lavelli keep the ball so well after the second goal today is a big thing; he plays good football. It is not easy; he must work hard and continue his growth."
Source: Varzesh3
No comments yet — be the first to share your view.