Cristian Chivu has called on Inter Milan to reproduce the leadership and personality they showed against Roma as they face arguably their most important league test of the season at Como without the injured Lautaro Martinez.
The Inter head coach spoke to DAZN pitchside ahead of kick-off, addressing the title race context, the Como challenge and the responsibility on his players to step up once again.
On whether Napoli’s earlier draw had changed the feel of the occasion, Chivu kept his focus narrow.
The result gives Inter a fantastic chance to open up a near-insurmountable gap at the top of the league.
“We think about ourselves and our competitiveness. We know that on this pitch today it will not be simple, we face an opponent with important Champions League ambitions and are aware that we must be our best version to bring home the result.”
Como Vs Inter – Chivu Tells Players To Respond Blow For Blow As They Did Against Roma
On how to handle a Como side capable of pressing high and playing with intensity, Chivu was clear.
“We must not change what we are and do what we prepared during the week. So we must show courage and personality and understand the moments of the match. We must do nothing different, the same as we did against Roma in terms of personality. We must respond blow for blow, understanding what to do at each moment.”
On whether his players were ready to share the leadership burden Lautaro usually carries, Chivu pointed directly to last Sunday’s performance as proof of concept.
“They showed it last Sunday. I do not forget the performances of Thuram, Calhanoglu, Barella, all the players who pulled out something extra in terms of leadership and personality in the difficult moments. They must do it again today.”
