Chivu: Inter must enjoy themselves and keep Champions League focus
Quick summary
Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu has stressed the need for his squad to enjoy their football while maintaining focus on the Champions League campaign.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceCristian Chivu wants his Inter players to ‘enjoy themselves’ in the Champions League against Club Brugge, but also keep ‘the utmost concentration and focus.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Villarreal vs. Napoli on the Liveblog.
It was not a good start to their Champions League campaign, as painful individual errors were very costly indeed for the 2-1 defeat away to Real Madrid.
They are hoping to do considerably better tonight when hosting Club Brugge, the reigning Champions of Belgium.
Chivu wants Inter joy MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Cristian Chivu, Manager of Internazionale, looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) “In the Champions League you always need to add something extra, because you are up against quality opponents who are relaxed and make the most of your slightest error,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
“We require the utmost concentration and focus, understanding the various moments of the match, being clean and organised in everything we do.”
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 10: Fans of FC Internazionale Milano show their support during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) There are several changes from the side that beat Parma 3-0 here on Saturday in Serie A, including Alessandro Bastoni, Manuel Akanji and Lautaro Martinez, who were rested following international duty.
Hakan Calhanoglu and Federico Dimarco have shaken off injuries to start for the second game in a row.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 10: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “Squad rotation alone is not enough, we have no guarantees, but having energy and an ambitious group is helpful, because it allows me to choose based on the type of match we’re going into,” added Chivu.
There is still no room for Aleksandar Stankovic, who played for Club Brugge last season.
“The players need to enjoy themselves, try to be decisive, have the right attitude and do everything to maintain the level we want for the whole season.”
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What happened
Cristian Chivu, leading Inter Milan, has spoken about the importance of balancing enjoyment with competitive focus as the club continues its Champions League campaign. The remarks suggest Chivu wants to keep the squad mentally fresh and motivated during a congested fixture schedule. While specific opponents and dates are not central to the piece, the message underlines Inter's prioritization of European competition alongside domestic duties.
Chance analysis
Chivu's public emphasis on enjoyment and focus signals a deliberate mood-management approach at Inter Milan during a demanding European run. By framing enjoyment as a performance driver rather than a distraction, the coach is reframing the pressure of Champions League football as something to embrace. For Inter supporters, it offers reassurance that the dressing room is being handled with a calm, long-term outlook rather than short-term anxiety.
Inter Milan's Champions League commitment is reinforced, with Chivu publicly framing squad mindset around European competition.