Inter, Champions League, Cristian Chivu hopes for redemption

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu, interviewed by Sky on the eve of the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, spurs his team to redemption after the derby defeat to AC Milan and defends Sommer. Here are his words.

“What reaction do I expect after the derby? We have always picked ourselves up after a defeat, I expect the same on this occasion as well. Sommer? I have to defend my players because I have 22 at my disposal and they are all good, they all deserve to play in the’Inter”.

“Someone asks if a player starts or takes over: I have been reading lately about Arteta’s philosophy, between those who start and those who finish the game. That” is how it is in soccer today.

“For the goalkeeper it is different, but Josep Martinez will get his opportunities. He had a difficult time last month, sooner or later it will be his turn when he feels ready”.

“How do I feel compared to Simeone who has hundreds of games? Neither worse nor better, I am a person with some soccer experience. However, I feel neither better nor inferior”.

“I have enjoyed Simeone&#8217s entire career, I faced him as a player when he was at Catania. I admired him and watched him, I always liked him as a footballer. As a coach, he always conveyed ideas.”

“He&#8217s been at Atletico for 14 years, I faced him in Libya in a friendly, he said nice words to me. He is seasoned, I still have black hair but not for long. I hope to have an important career like Simeone”.

In the press conference alongside Chivu also spoke Lautaro Martinez: “Atletico is a great opponent, we know what this match means after the derby. We deserved more in the derby but we have turned the page. I am convinced that this team is well, it is strong. The match with Atletico is very important after what happened on Sunday”.

“What changes between league and Champions? It only changes what they say. Before, they used to say I didn&#8217t score in Champions and only in Serie A. Now they say the opposite. I am comfortable with myself, I work to give joy to the fans and I am fine”.