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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Cristian Chivu admits he shares Lautaro Martinez’s views on a message to Hakan Calhanoglu, but was ‘a bit more diplomatic’ about it, but sees the ‘glass half full’ after Club World Cup elimination to Fluminense.

The Nerazzurri were the favourites going into this first knockout tie of the tournament, having topped the group with a 1-1 draw against Monterrey, then back-to-back wins over Urawa Reds and River Plate.

However, a defensive mix-up allowed German Cano to nod in from close range in the third minute, then Stefan de Vrij missed a sitter with 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio making a couple of great saves.

Hercules made the most of another collective Inter nap at the back in stoppages to seal the 2-0 result, with Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco hitting the woodwork for Chivu’s side.

Chivu saw Inter running on empty

“Fluminense were fresher and sharper,” Chivu Told Sport Mediaset.

“We didn’t have the right approach that I wanted on the field, we struggled with their intensity and high press. We were a bit presumptuous, trying to play it pretty when we should’ve done simpler things.

“Overall, you could all see what our energy levels were. We tried to the end to turn it around, and were also unlucky hitting the woodwork twice and with that Stefan de Vrij chance. At the end of the day, we conceded two goals with the only two real shots on target.”

Chivu took the job just days before flying out to the USA for the Club World Cup, as Simone Inzaghi walked away to take over at Al-Hilal instead.

Has the new boss seen any positives from this experience, which lasted only four games?

“I will take the three weeks that allowed me to get to know the group. I got to know their strengths, weaknesses, their personalities and the attitude of a group of lads who after a difficult season had to scrape the bottom of the barrel.

“I always see the glass half full, otherwise it gives me a headache. So let’s build on these three weeks to plan for next season.”

Inter tension is sky high

This is the conclusion of a terribly disappointing season, which saw Inzaghi miss out on the Scudetto, Supercoppa Italiana, Coppa Italia and lose the Champions League Final 5-0 to Paris Saint-Germain.

Captain Lautaro Martinez lashed out in his post-match interviews with a likely message for Hakan Calhanoglu, who has reportedly pushed the club for a transfer to Galatasaray, claiming anyone who doesn’t want to be here ought to leave.

“We are winners, so we must dig deep for our pride and character,” replied Chivu when asked about these comments.

“I too said in my press conference that we must all work in the same direction, it’s just I was a bit more diplomatic and Lautaro went in studs-up. But this message is true for everyone, in a team and a club that wants to make up for a difficult season, we need to plan next term with ambition.”