Chivu: ‘I’m happy and optimistic for Inter, took game to Real Madrid’

Cristian Chivu insists he is ‘happy and optimistic for the future’ of Inter after their 2-1 Champions League defeat. ‘We took the game to a team like Real Madrid.’

The Nerazzurri dominated for long periods at the Bernabeu, but also made costly errors that ultimately gifted two early goals to Real Madrid.

First, a misplaced pass from Curtis Jones led to Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal, and then Josep Martinez was caught out trying to dribble Federico Valverde from close range.

Although Carlos Augusto eventually pulled one back with an assist from Lautaro Martinez, significant saves from both Thibaut Courtois and Josep Martinez were crucial in the 2-1 outcome.

Chivu proud of Inter in Madrid

“I am not angry at all, I am happy with the courage and character shown by my team,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“If you make mistakes, which is part of the sport, it’s about how you react and move forward, your body language, your attitude until the end. I’d say it was a good performance tonight, trying to be dominant and keeping the initiative throughout.

“That makes me happy and optimistic for the future of this team. Mistakes happen, we knew that we’d need to concede something in transition given their attacking quality, but we stayed in the game until the very end, showed character, and it was a good performance.

“I am proud that we showed courage and didn’t come here trying to play for a draw, instead, we took the game to a team like Real Madrid.”

Perhaps the most remarkable performance was that of Josep Martinez, who, despite being caught out for the costly Valverde goal, responded with several crucial saves to keep Inter in contention.

“Why do you have to single him out? I just said, the most important thing is how you react to errors, and Pepo reacted like a high-level goalkeeper because he kept his composure and made some great saves.

“It’s not just goalkeepers; it’s important how any player on the pitch reacts, keeps their head up, and rediscovers their confidence. That is what interests me.”

Inter had come back from 2-0 down to beat Napoli 3-2 in Serie A the previous weekend, but repeating that against Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid proved too challenging.

Speaking of Mourinho, it was a reunion with the coach under whom Chivu played and won the Treble at Inter in 2010.

“I love Mourinho immensely for what we achieved together, how he supported me and my family during a difficult time in my life, and the confidence he showed in me. He is a great man; I was so happy to hug him, and I wish him all the best for this new adventure.”

Inter did leave the Bernabeu with 61 per cent possession, completing almost twice as many passes as the hosts, and Andy Diouf was a surprise starter on the right wing.

“Carlos Augusto was exhausted; he could barely stand, but I’m happy with what the wingers did. Carlos Augusto attacked down the line, causing Denzel some problems, while Andy showed character by repeatedly taking on Cucurella, one of the best full-backs in the world. He also demonstrated defensive focus against important opponents.

“This is why I'm taking the positives; this performance gives me confidence for the future,” concluded Chivu.

Cristian Chivu: Inter's Courage and Optimism After Real Madrid Loss

Cristian Chivu expressed satisfaction and optimism regarding Inter's future despite a narrow 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League. The manager emphasized that his team bravely engaged Real Madrid and maintained initiative throughout the match, even after conceding early goals due to individual errors.

Chivu praised his players' courage, character, and positive reaction to mistakes, highlighting goalkeeper Josep Martinez's resilience after an early error. He also reflected on his reunion with former coach Jose Mourinho, expressing deep respect and admiration for him.

Chivu: Inter ka Real Madrid ke khilaaf haar ke baad bhi khushi aur ummeed

Cristian Chivu ne Champions League mein Real Madrid se 2-1 ki haar ke bawajood Inter ke bhavishya ke liye apni khushi aur ummeed jahir ki. Manager ne is baat par zor diya ki unki team ne Real Madrid ko bahaduri se takkar di aur match mein shuruaati gol hone ke baad bhi pehal banaye rakhi.

Chivu ne apne khiladiyon ke saahas, charitra aur galtiyon par sakaratmak pratikriya ki tareef ki, khaas taur par golakshak Josep Martinez ki himmat ki jo shuruaati galti ke baad bhi datt kar khade rahe. Unhone apne purane coach Jose Mourinho ke saath apni mulaqaat par bhi charcha ki aur unke prati gehra samman vyakt kiya.