APPIANO GENTILE – Along with Andrea Stramaccioni at the customary press
conference on the eve of the match was Cristian Chivu, who in an interview
yesterday with Sky Sport Italia had stated that the team’s problems have come
because they have been struggling to play football.
"It was a sentence taken out of context, which is something I don’t
like," said the defender sitting next to the Inter coach. "I take
responsibility for what I say, but I don’t like it when words are used to
create a conflict between the team and the coach. It’s fine to talk about me,
but not the team. I said the coach was giving his all but that wasn’t reported.
My interview was honest. I said what I felt, and I’d say it again now: we need
to work hard and follow the coach, who is doing his best. I don’t have to
clarify anything. It was just one newspaper that reported things I didn’t say.
I forgot to name the medical staff in yesterday’s interview when listing
who is responsible for the team’s problems? It’s true, but when talking about
Inter I mean everyone. All of us who are part of the club. Everyone is aware
that it’s our responsibility, from the players to the coaches to the medical staff.
So we have to go forward from here. I meant all of us."
The discussion then turned to tomorrow evening’s game against Tottenham:
"We have confidence in what we can do and have to do. Every game is different,
with its own story and moments. We know we have 90 minutes to play well. We’ll
try to get a win and go through because it’s something that gives you
confidence and courage for the upcoming games. We also have to take on our
responsibilities and move forward together."
According to Chivu there’s no point in dwelling on past achievements: "If
we talk about those things we’ll never achieve our goals for the future. Our
past victories are part of those stories that you tell your grandchildren, that
will stay in the fans' hearts. But now our current goals are what matter.
Enough with the past. We’ve said thanks where it’s been necessary, but now is not the time
to have memories on our minds. This Inter side is growing. We have a new coach
and many youngsters, some of whom are still in their teens. We’ll put the past
behind us."
Finally, when asked what he’d be willing to do in the case of a dramatic comeback tomorrow night, Chivu stated: "Should it happen it would be something very important for our self-esteem and courage. It would be a great point that we could restart from."
