Chivu: Inter ‘didn’t underestimate’ Monterrey: ‘We’re never embarrassed’

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano reacts after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Inter coach Cristian Chivu admits the Nerazzurri are not in shape, but their 1-1 draw against Monterrey was not embarrassing: ‘We never underestimate our opponents.’

Inter began their 2025 Club World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Mexican side Monterrey.

It was Chivu’s first game in charge of the Nerazzurri after the ex-Inter defender replaced Simone Inzaghi earlier this month.

“We played a good first half, despite conceding a goal. We could have attacked the line better, and in the second half, we were too slow with the ball. We had some chances, but we lacked that killer instinct in front of the goal,” Chivu told DAZN said via TMW.

“We risked on transitions, in which our opponents were very good. We lacked possession and vertical passing, but the lads put in a good effort.”

Chivu comment on Inter change of tactics

Chivu slightly changed Inzaghi’s classic 3-5-2 system at some point in the second half, picking a 3-4-2-1 formation.

“One must always have different solutions, with two attacking midfielders and a striker, or two strikers supported by an attacking midfielder,” he said.

Brazilian winger Luis Henrique was introduced as a substitute in the second half.

“He can do more, but he’s not yet fit. He has only trained with us twice. He has technique and courage in the one-v-one,” noted Chivu.

Sebastiano Esposito started up front alongside Lautaro Martinez after returning from his loan spell at Empoli.

“He was in line with the rest of the team,” said Chivu.

“It was not easy to play against a low block. He put in a good performance.”

Another new Inter signing, Petar Sucic, was introduced as a substitute after the break.

“It’s still too early to judge them [new signings],” the Inter coach added at a post-match press conference via TMW.

“They’ve barely trained with us, and they’ve been immediately available. They tried to do their best today. I saw some good things, but obviously, it’s not easy when the shape is not at its best. They put in a good performance, considering it was their first time with us.”

Chivu: Inter didn’t underestimate Monterrey

The 1-1 draw against Monterrey surprised many of the reporters, but Chivu felt the result was not embarrassing.

“We never underestimate our opponents; we always play with the utmost respect,” said the Nerazzurri coach.

“We tried to do our best, sometimes you make it, sometimes you don’t. We created many chances, but lacked a bit of hunger in front of the goal.

“We are never embarrassed by what we do on the pitch. We respect the opponents. We have a strong side, but we know you must do something more than the opponents to win in football. We tried it today, we were proactive for most of the match. I’m not looking for excuses, but with the little energy left, we sometimes struggle a bit physically right now. In terms of attitude and respect for the opponent, we never lacked them.”