Chivu responds to Spalletti and previews Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter
Cristian Chivu has shared his thoughts ahead of the Champions League play-off match between Bodo/Glimt and Inter on Wednesday evening, and has also been forced to return to the topic of the Derby d’Italia against Juventus in Serie A over the weekend.
The Nerazzurri have arrived in the arctic circle and are preparing to take on Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Wednesday evening. The two teams will meet again in San Siro next Tuesday.
Chivu on Bodo Glimt vs. Inter, Spalletti response and artificial pitch
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening, Chivu had an opportunity to reflect on Inter’s journey in the Champions League thus far and the task that lies ahead of them in Serie A.
“This is a different competition and we know how important it is and how far we’ve come,” he said. We’ve done quite well without, unfortunately, qualifying for the round of 16. Bodo is a tough team, the club has made great progress.”
There were, to little surprise, more questions asked about the controversial Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus on Saturday afternoon. Inter won 3-2, but their victory was marred by a major refereeing error which led to the wrongful sending off of Pierre Kalulu.
There have been plenty of takes, comments and apologies since the incident occurred on Saturday. Alessandro Bastoni, largely responsible for getting Kalulu sent off, sat next to Chivu for the press conference and apologised for the way in which he celebrated the red card decision.
Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti spoke to the press on Monday, defending Bastoni but criticising Chivu for the comments he made about Kalulu after full-time.
Chivu was asked if he had a response for Spalletti on Tuesday evening.
He said: “I don’t want to reply to what others say. I say what I say and what I think. I talked about the experiences of my team, and I don’t care what they have to say. The team at the top is always the most hated and criticised.
“Incidents happen for and against everyone, we were wronged in Naples and I’m saying that for the first time. We moved on. The season is long and we want to be competitive without forgetting about the way we’ve been portrayed.”
Returning his focus to the task at hand against Bodo/Glimt, Chivu proceeded to give an update on his players’ availability.
“Everyone wants the formation in Italy, I’ve never told you,” he laughed. I know who will play but I won’t say it. Calhanoglu has a small problem, that could be a matter of days, a week at most.”
And on Bodo/Glimt’s artificial pitch, which has caused problems for a number of Italian sides in recent seasons, Chivu said: “The concern is always for the safety of the players.
“Bodo have been achieving great results home and away and the club is ambitious. They will want to give it their all. We are also ready to do the same and adapt to this pitch and climate.”
And on the star players within Bodo/Glimt’s squad and the current quality of Norwegian football, Chivu added: “They have a lot of great players, Norwegian football has grown and Norway will be at the World Cup. We know it won’t be easy, we have to be ready for the intensity and their quality on the flanks, the power of their players. We’re ready to adapt.”