Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu did not hold back in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Nerazzurri’s crucial knockout play-off second leg in the Champions League.
The Romanian manager was visibly upset by the Norwegian journalist’s questioning, which led to a heated discussion about respect and the status of the Italian giants.
The tension follows Inter’s shock 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the first leg in Norway last week. Ahead of the all-important second leg at San Siro, the atmosphere has shifted from tactical preparation to defending the club’s honour.
Chivu furious over “shameful” comments from Inter Milan
The spark for the confrontation came when a reporter asked Chivu whether Inter should feel “ashamed” if they were eliminated by a team from a city of just 50,000 inhabitants.
Chivu, clearly offended by the suggestion, took off his headphones to address the journalist directly.
“Yes, you’re even smiling. Congratulations,” Chivu commented sarcastically. “Nothing is shameful in football. On both sides there is work of a club and a team. We have to respect the opponent as you are not respecting us by speaking this way.”
Chivu then praised the work done by Bodo/Glimt, pointing out their impressive results against big European sides such as Real Madrid, Manchester City and Dortmund in recent seasons.
However, he stressed that a loss on the field should never be equated with shame.
Can Inter Milan reverse the Bodo/Glimt deficit?
The task on the field remains difficult for Chivu’s men. Trailing 3-1 in the first leg, Inter need a clinical performance at the San Siro to progress.
Despite the pressure, Chivu refuses to be influenced by outside noise.
“We are not ashamed because we tried to be the best versions of ourselves last week,” Chivu added. “They were better than us and we congratulated them. But we are focused on the future and the next match.”
Inter vs Bodo/Glimt: a test of character at San Siro
In addition to the tactical battle, tomorrow’s match has become a test of character for the Nerazzurri.
Chivu also addressed the state of mind of defender Alessandro Bastoni, who has been at the center of the recent controversies, saying he is proud of the way the player has coped with a ‘bad week’.
As for the motivation needed to make a comeback, Chivu believes his players already know what is at stake.
“There is no need to motivate them; they know how important this game is,” he concluded. With Milan’s pride at stake, San Siro expects a response.
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