Chivu hits back at Inter critics as Sassuolo looms
Inter Milan will be hoping to put its Serie A title hopes back on track this weekend when it welcomes Sassuolo to Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, and coach Cristian Chivu was in a prickly mood ahead of the clash.
Inter's quest to reclaim its Serie A title has stumbled in the opening three games of the season, taking just three points, which came on the opening day against Torino.
Back-to-back defeats have since followed against Udinese and Juventus, but it was able to get back on track in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.
Marcus Thuram scored twice as Inter downed Ajax 2-0 away from home, and it will be hoping to use that momentum to boost its title hopes.
Despite the win in midweek, uncertainty remains around Chivu's philosophy and style of play, but he was quick to respond to those critics with a fiery comeback.
"I have a thousand other things to think about," Chivu said at the beginning of his pre-match press conference on Sunday (AEST).
"The noise from critics is part of the game; it's always been topical. I go about things in my own way, I'm busy doing things to help the players.
"The team deserves to be defended because it's a strong group. The whole world was talking about them in March, then they had a bit of misfortune.
"We mustn't forget that this team had a quality season. There are a thousand other adjectives I could use. They're keeping me calm."
Chivu was also on hand to discuss the fitness of Lautaro Martinez, who was an unused substitute in Inter's victory over Ajax after complaints of back pain.
The Inter boss revealed that he had been struggling to walk in the build-up to the UEFA Champions League match, but is not fit or available for selection against Sassuolo.
Goalkeeper Josep Martinez is expected to be given an opportunity to start over Yann Sommer, meanwhile.
"Lautaro trained with us today. He always gives his best and has great understanding, even in the difficult moments," Chivu said.
"He couldn't even walk on Wednesday [Thursday AEST], but he came to sit on the bench and would have been willing to come on. He's available tomorrow. A Martinez will definitely play.
"Sassuolo are a well-prepared and serious team who can give us trouble. We need to be ready from every point of view."
