Inter manager Cristian Chivu says his side accept they are “the team to beat” in Serie A but insists they will not be distracted by pressure or speculation over captain Lautaro Martinez.
Inter begin their title defence against newly promoted Monza at San Siro on Saturday at 17:30 UK time (18:30 CEST), with Chivu preparing for only the second full season of his senior coaching career.
The Romanian guided Inter to the domestic Double of the Scudetto and Coppa Italia in his first full campaign. However, he believes the champions must start again and cannot rely on what they achieved last season.
“We start from scratch, albeit aware that we are the team to beat,” said Chivu at his pre-match news 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 was also asked which teams Inter fear most in Italy and on the international stage. His answer was unequivocal.
“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.”
Martinez future
Speculation has intensified in Spain, Argentina and Italy that Barcelona have made Lautaro Martinez their leading target after failing to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
Chivu welcomed the attention on the Argentina international, saying it reflected Martinez’s status among the world’s leading players. But he made clear that Inter want their captain to remain at the club for the long term.
“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.”
Asked whether he was certain Martinez would not be tempted by a move to Barcelona, Chivu said he was not concerned.
“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 bard, so the only response I can give is that I want him to stay.”
New arrivals
Inter have been active in the transfer market, with Denzel Dumfries departing and Djed Spence eventually arriving from Tottenham Hotspur after several other deals failed to materialise.
Spence has been joined by fellow England internationals John Stones and Curtis Jones from the Premier League. Chivu revealed he spoke to Jones before the midfielder completed his move and said the new signings would help Inter raise their standards.
“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.
Chivu rejected direct comparisons between Spence and Dumfries, saying the former Tottenham Hotspur player had been recruited for his own qualities and potential.
“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.”
