Chivu forced to defend Inter ahead of Genoa clash
Inter Milan is just one point off the lead in Serie A and sixth in the UEFA Champions League, but coach Cristian Chivu has still been forced to defend his side.
Inter, which nexy plays Genoa on Monday (AEDT) is third on a tight table, just a point behind co-leaders AC Milan and Napoli, which also play their next league fixtures on the same day.
However, Chivu's side suffered a setback in Europe in midweek when it was beaten 1-0 by Liverpool, despite dominating large periods of the clash at San Siro.
The Nerazzurri have come under scrutiny this season, but Chivu has leapt to his side's defence.
"We started the season under a magnifying glass," he said.
"People said we were failures, and we were finished. But we are still up there and that is not to be taken for granted, considering what was said over the summer.
"Of course, we have margin for improvement, but we never wanted to lose our identity, our hunger, our desire to be dominant in Serie A and Europe. We are on the right track, and that is the most important thing.
"Some might say that we ought to be more negative and defensive, going for the draw, but I don't want us to lose our identity.
"Despite what people say, in my view, we are having a great season. It's true, there are ups and downs, we'd like to remove the downs, but we are confident in our work.
"We are trying to learn from mistakes, but must not lose the confidence that we are having a great season. Excluding the Club World Cup, we have had 21 games where, at most, we got two halves wrong, but never a whole match.
"This squad wants to dominate and the reality on the field is different to the narrative that people want to paint about us.
"I've been at Inter in one way or another for 20 years, so expectations are different to reality. I do not evaluate the growth process based on one victory or one defeat. I don't like labels, and too many of them are placed on Inter."
Chivu is set to meet a familiar face in the form of his old Roma team-mate Daniele De Rossi, whom he played alongside between 2003 and 2007.
Genoa coach De Rossi, who replaced Patrick Vieira, is unbeaten in four Serie A matches, moving his side up to 15th on the table.
The past three meetings between the sides have ended in draws, and Chivu is wary of Genoa's threat.
"We need to be perfect, especially in terms of attitude against a team that found so much enthusiasm under a new coach," he added.
"It has never been easy for Inter in this fixture, so we need to give it our all.
"I had four marvellous years at Roma, De Rossi was a captain without the armband, as Francesco Totti was still there at the time. I always admired his intelligence, he is a genuine guy who is very loyal."
