(PRIMASPORT) APPIANO GENTILE – "We're starting from scratch. No one will give us anything, but we're the team to beat." At the Inter Training Center in Appiano Gentile, Cristian Chivu answered questions in the pre-match press conference for Inter vs. Monza, the first matchday of Serie A, stating bluntly that he wants to keep captain Lautaro close, making it clear that they'll be restarting with last season's competitive squad, which will gradually be filled with reinforcements from the Premier League.
How is the team doing and how are they approaching the start of the season?
“"We're starting from scratch, knowing we're the team to beat and that no one will give us anything. We'll try to be competitive and achieve our ambitions.".
How do you imagine this season? Do you envision any structural changes in the style of play?
“You talk about numbers, identity, surprises, I talk about standards. This team has shown it can play at a very high level, and it can even raise the bar. This group is humble and hungry, and they've proven it over time: they can still do a great job.
Are you satisfied with the team you have available?
“"Our duty and goal is to improve. We're preparing for what we want to be in the future. We have a quality squad, competitive for the future as well; we're starting from a good starting point.".
There are some transfer rumours about Lautaro, what can you tell us?
“The transfer market is always like this, news comes out: if our players are talked about, it means they're recognized worldwide as great players. He's our captain, he was World Cup winner in 2022, and this summer he reached another final. We're holding onto him because he represents everything we've been in the recent past, what we are in the present, and what we'll be in the future. There'll certainly be a lot of talk about him, as always happens when great players are involved. Lautaro is with us and will stay for a long time; he's our captain, and he's the one we're building our present and future around. Even though the transfer market is always strange, we want him to stay.
How is Lautaro doing in terms of fitness?
“He came back late and so he started training later than the others. We'll see how he is between now and tomorrow and then we'll decide.”.
Is it difficult to reaffirm your position? What are your goals?
“"I'm not talking about destinations and trophies, I'm talking about who we are today. We're looking to the near future, to the present: one mini-goal at a time, step by step, one game after another. We have Monza, then Cagliari, and so on. Along the way, we'll understand where we can and can get to. The important thing is to maintain the high standards we've had over the years.".
You are the team to beat…
“"We fear no one: we always start from scratch, there are many contenders, everyone wants to be competitive. Then, over the course of the championship, our values are established. I'm interested in our growth: we mustn't settle, we have room for improvement, we want motivation to grow.".
Has your approach changed compared to last season?
“I'm still the same. Amidst a thousand doubts and uncertainties, I'm filled with awareness and responsibility. I always feel responsible for taking on a team and preparing it as best I can for those who come after me. I don't need approval; I know my human weight; professionally, I know I need to improve. I never want to be perfect; I prefer to be a person with doubts and uncertainties, caring for the team, and responsible to the club and its extraordinary fans.
Jones: Why is he ideal for this team?
“"I'm pleased with Jones' arrival. We have the opportunity to bring in a player with certain characteristics, and he's expressed his full availability to join us. Everyone understands the importance of this team and this club. Over the years, we've achieved significant growth. With them, we can raise the bar. They're a competitive group with many options.".
Spence's arrival: what can he bring on the right?
“We'll never compare players; each has their own characteristics. We chose him to complement our intentions; he has room for improvement, and so do we. He's been part of a team that's been competitive for years and wants to dominate in the future as well.
Last year you started with different feelings than this year…
“There's a difference between what's said on the outside and what we perceive on the inside. You don't go from a finished cycle and a failed team to a super-favorite team. We're still the same; we haven't changed. What matters is how you react to difficulties; what matters is the group's ambitions. We're a step forward morally and mentally, okay, but we already demonstrated that last year. What makes me happy is that the team is motivated, quietly working, and accepting the burdens. The players know what they represent, the sense of belonging, what is transmitted to new arrivals.
How are Diouf and Pavard?
“Andy has room for improvement, and for me that's an important starting point: embracing a coach's vision and having a standard that helps your teammates improve. Standards are set by the players. He's done a great job: we'll always find mistakes, but they're also found in the more experienced players. We're interested in what he can bring us in terms of energy, intensity, and the different solutions he can offer in that role. Obviously, both phases are important; mistakes can happen. Pavard? He's done and continues to do a great job, he's made himself available to the group, he's played high-level games, but it's not for me to judge Pavard's value. The department he plays in is very advanced, and he can contribute to a team that can be competitive.
The new rules, already introduced at the World Cup: what do you think?
“"For me, anything innovative is fine until proven otherwise. We do everything we can to give games pace, eliminating time wasters. I believe the goal is to bring more liveliness by eliminating stalemates. Our longest actual time played was 62 minutes, the average is between 55 and 58: the more you play, the better for everyone; these rules are designed for that. My wish for all referees is a great, peaceful season: I wish everyone the best of luck.".
What is Stankovic's situation?
“You know my opinion: he's part of the group, he competes like everyone else for the important minutes a player wants to have.”.
Martinez and Provedel between the posts, is there a regular starter?
“I'm talking about standards, it applies to everyone, not just goalkeepers.”. (PRIMASPORT)
