Cristian Chivu and Inter are ‘aware we’re the team to beat’ in Serie A this season, welcomes Curtis Jones, and insists Lautaro Martinez will ‘stay for a long time’ despite Barcelona interest.
It kicks off at San Siro on Saturday at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST), beginning their title defence against newly-promoted Monza.
This is only the second full season of Chivu’s senior coaching career, having won the domestic Double of Scudetto and Coppa Italia in the first.
“We start from scratch, albeit aware that we are the team to beat,” said Chivu in his press conference.
“Nobody will give us anything for free, so we’ll try to be competitive and chase our ambitions to a successful conclusion. In recent years, this team has shown it can stay at a certain level, so we need to maintain that standard, and add something more too.
“With determination, hunger, humility and the margin for improvement that we have, I think we can do great work.”
Chivu and Inter have no fear
When asked who Inter ‘fear’ on the Italian and international stage, Chivu did not hesitate.
“Nobody. We all start from scratch, we cannot be satisfied with what we’ve achieved. We must find new motivation to keep growing. I don’t think that much has changed in a year. We weren’t finished then, we’re not guaranteed to dominate now. Every season has ups and downs, what matters is how you react.”
There are multiple stories in Spain, Argentina and Italy suggesting that Barcelona have made Lautaro Martinez their primary target after failing to bring in Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
“There are always stories at this time of year. We’re pleased they are talking about our players, because it means they’re recognised as some of the best in the world,” replied Chivu.
“Lautaro is our captain, he won the World Cup in 2022, was in the Final a few weeks ago. He’s a great player, we hold on tight because he represents what we have been and what we want to be in future.”
Are Chivu and Inter entirely sure that Lautaro Martinez won’t be tempted by Barcelona?
“I fear nothing. Lauti is the captain, there will probably be a lot of talk about him, but I think he’ll stay for a long time because he’s a player with which we want to build for the future.
“I also know the transfer market can be a bit of a b***ard, so the only response I can give is that I want him to stay.”
It has been a busy transfer window for Inter, including the departure of Denzel Dumfries, replaced eventually by Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur after several other deals fell through.
He is joined by fellow England internationals John Stones and Curtis Jones from the Premier League.
“Our duty is to improve and keep preparing for the future. I won’t deny that I spoke to Jones before he arrived, I’m pleased that he is here with us and that he brings certain characteristics we needed,” continued Chivu.
“This is also true for Spence and Stones. They are well aware of the importance of this club, the levels the team has reached in recent years. I am sure that we’ll be able to raise the bar even more with these new additions.
“It’s not right to compare Spence to Dumfries, but we chose him for his own characteristics. He too has margin for improvement and joins a squad that wants to dominate again.”
