Cristian Chivu downplays the preseason significance of the Milan derby

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu downplayed the significance of the preseason derby against Milan in Perth, Australia. According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Romanian coach stressed that ahead of the upcoming competitive season, his main focus would be on restoring the players’ fitness and improving their match practice rather than securing victory. Goal.com reports this.

Speaking ahead of the friendly in Australia, Chivu said that the result is not important in August’s warm-up matches. According to him, regardless of the opponent, the coaching staff’s priority is the team’s overall development and physical conditioning.

August trophies and historic rivalry

Although every derby carries special significance for fans, the head coach urged them not to overestimate the results of preseason matches. Asked about the teams’ league titles and victories in their head-to-head meetings, Chivu said: «I want to see physical progress; I am not looking at who the opponent is. Tomorrow’s match is a friendly, and August trophies have no significance whatsoever».

He also emphasized that the roles of fans and coaches are different: «That question should be put to the fans. As a coach, I have to think about getting my players into the best possible physical shape before the season begins».

A derby with global reach and the outlook for the championship

Acknowledging that the rivalry between Inter and Milan generates great interest worldwide, Chivu also addressed the match’s global appeal. In his view, despite being held far from home, the game will always remain an entertaining spectacle for viewers.

At the same time, commenting on the idea of staging Serie A matches abroad, the coach added: «Such an initiative would be appealing, but putting it into practice would not be particularly easy».