Inter Milan are scoring freely, but 7 goals conceded give Cristian Chivu cause for concern

Cristian Chivu concerned after Inter Milan concede 7 goals in 3 matches

Cristian Chivu delivered a clear-eyed assessment of Inter Milan’s spectacular victory over Udinese. The Romanian coach was pleased with his team’s response and the 5 goals they scored, but their defensive problems remained his main concern.

Inter were forced to come from behind for the 2nd consecutive Serie A match after Udinese capitalised on the hosts’ hesitant opening. The Milan side responded emphatically in attack, but Chivu did not overlook the ease with which their opponents managed to score.

Inter Milan concede 7 goals in just 10 days

Inter’s defensive record over their last 3 matches has given the Romanian coach plenty to analyse. The Nerazzurri conceded 2 goals against both Napoli and Real Madrid before letting in another 3 against Udinese.

In total, Cristian Chivu’s side have conceded 7 goals in the space of just 10 days. The 45-year-old believes his team still have considerable work to do to strike the right balance between attacking strength and defensive organisation.

“We are not perfect, nor do we want to be, but these are our qualities. We are aware that we can do more. We have to find the right balance,” Cristian Chivu said.

Inter Milan’s poor start punished by Udinese

Chivu was unhappy with the way his players approached the opening stages of the match. Although Inter tried to build from the back and create dangerous situations, they lacked the necessary precision and concentration.

Udinese capitalised on the Milan side’s mistakes and put the hosts in a difficult position. Their subsequent response pleased the Romanian coach, but he stressed that his assessment of the match could not be limited to the positive aspects.

“Today, during the first 25 minutes, although we repeatedly tried to build from the back and create chances, we did not play well. Udinese took advantage of our carelessness, but we stayed in the match and responded. We did not lose our pride, and that makes me happy, but I also have to analyse what did not work.”

Cristian Chivu takes responsibility for Inter’s problems

The Inter Milan coach acknowledged that he had not managed to convey to his players all the ideas he had prepared for the match against Udinese. The demanding schedule and the physical toll of Champions League football affected the team’s performance, but Chivu refused to make excuses.

The Romanian admitted that the number of goals Inter have conceded is a concern. In his view, no coach can ignore such a situation, even though modern football increasingly produces open matches in which opponents are willing to take more risks.

“I have to assess what I failed to communicate to the players this week. On the other hand, this is the Champions League and it takes a great deal of energy out of you. Am I concerned that we have conceded 7 goals in these 3 matches? Well, if I said otherwise, I would not be a coach... But this is modern football. Our opponents have faced us without fear.”

Attacking football is part of Inter Milan’s identity

Cristian Chivu has no intention of abandoning the attacking philosophy he has introduced at Inter Milan. The Romanian coach values initiative, courage and quick attacking moves, even if this approach can leave spaces for opponents to exploit.

For Chivu, this style of play is central to Inter Milan’s identity. He highlighted the move that led to Inter’s goal to make it 3-2, with the passage of play illustrating the team’s attacking quality and ability to strike decisively.

“We take certain risks. We have to play this way, but I like it because it represents us. It is part of our identity. We expose ourselves to plenty of danger. Nevertheless, I like seeing moves such as the one that led to the goal that made it 3-2.”

Inter have 6 more points than last season

Chivu was also asked about the differences between the current Inter side and the team that faced Udinese last season. The Romanian did not want to attach too much importance to comparisons with the past, even though he has since won 2 trophies.

After their opening 4 matches, Inter have collected 6 more points than at the same stage of last season. The coach is also trying to maintain the team’s performance levels through squad rotation, allowing as many players as possible to be involved.

“Last year, we did not have 2 trophies, but that matters very little because it belongs to the past. We have 6 more points after 4 matches, and we are trying to bring something extra to the team through player rotation as well.”

Chivu is also concerned about players receiving fewer minutes

Henrikh Mkhitaryan started against Udinese, while Ange-Yoan Bonny and Aleksandar Stanković also had reasons to be pleased. However, Chivu is also thinking about the players whom he has been unable to give sufficient playing time or opportunities during this period.

Petar Sučić and Yann Bisseck were among those mentioned by the coach. Chivu knows that managing a large squad involves difficult decisions, and he is trying to preserve the quality of Inter’s football without disrupting the team’s balance.

“Today, we saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the starting line-up, while Ange-Yoan Bonny and Aleksandar Stanković were happy. However, I am more concerned about what I have not managed to offer Petar Sučić, Yann Bisseck and the others who may not have played. I have to make the right decisions without losing our balance or quality,” Cristian Chivu concluded.

The Nerazzurri’s results this season include 4 victories in Serie A and a Champions League defeat away to Real Madrid. Cristian Chivu’s side have scored 14 goals and conceded 8 in their 5 matches across all competitions.

Inter Milan boast a perfect Serie A record

The Nerazzurri have won all 4 of their Serie A matches this season, scoring 13 goals and conceding 6. In the UEFA Champions League, Cristian Chivu’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Inter Milan’s Serie A results: Inter Milan – Monza 4-1, Cagliari – Inter Milan 0-1, Inter Milan – Napoli 3-2, Inter Milan – Udinese 5-3.

Inter Milan’s Champions League result: Real Madrid – Inter Milan 2-1.

Serie A standings: 1. AS Roma – 12 points, 2. Inter Milan – 12 points, 3. Como 1907 – 10 points, 4. Lazio – 10 points, 5. Cagliari – 9 points, 6. AC Milan – 8 points, 7. Sassuolo – 7 points, 8. Juventus – 7 points, 9. Frosinone – 7 points, 10. Napoli – 6 points, 11. Atalanta – 6 points, 12. Lecce – 6 points, 13. Udinese – 4 points, 14. Torino – 3 points, 15. Fiorentina – 3 points, 16. Bologna – 1 point, 17. Parma – 1 point, 18. Monza – 1 point, 19. Genoa – 1 point, 20. Venezia – 0 points.