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MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Inter Milano, looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter coach Cristian Chivu has earned comparisons to his former manager, José Mourinho, after his remarks at his latest press conference: ‘I’m not a fool.’
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Today’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport has drawn a comparison between Chivu and Mourinho after the Inter coach’s latest press conference.
The main title in today’s front page was “Special Chivu,” recalling Mourinho’s nickname “Special One.”
During his pre-match press conference on the eve of a Serie A match against Cagliari, Chivu hit back at doubters, especially those who had predicted he would be sacked early in the season, due to his inexperience.
“I can be many things, but I’m not a fool,” Chivu said.
Mourinho had used a similar expression during his unveiling press conference at Inter in 2008, saying, “I’m not a ‘pirla,’ which is typical Milanese slang meaning idiot or fool.
Surely, Mourinho has had a significant influence on Chivu, both as a player and as a coach. The former defender, in fact, played 59 games at Inter under Mourinho, winning the Treble in 2009-10.
ByLorenzo Bettoni
Lorenzo Bettoni is the Editor of Football Italia.
