Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu has cautioned that the team has not yet secured qualification for the Club World Cup Round of 16 ahead of their final group stage match against River Plate. Chivu emphasized the challenge posed by the Argentine side and highlighted the potential of young star Franco Mastrantuono.
“We`re expecting a difficult game, similar to our previous matches,” Chivu stated at a press conference. “These teams are ambitious and always make things challenging on the pitch. The physical condition of the American teams is superior to the Europeans at this point. We`re taking on this challenge and will try to find our best mental and physical form.”
Praise for River Plate and Mastrantuono
Chivu expressed admiration for River Plate and their coach Marcelo Gallardo, noting the team`s rich history and talented squad. He singled out 16-year-old Mastrantuono for praise, comparing him to Angel Di Maria: “He`s already played many games despite his young age. I see some similarities with Di Maria in his left-footed style. He has a bright future ahead, though it won`t be easy at Real Madrid.”
Focus on Inter`s Mentality
The Inter coach stressed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and moving past previous disappointments. “We need to focus on what`s ahead and always approach each game seriously,” Chivu said. “The team has shown great resilience and motivation in recent years, reaching three European finals and winning important trophies.”
Chivu concluded by reminding everyone that qualification is not yet secured: “We haven`t qualified yet. We need to concentrate on our performance tomorrow, adapt to different situations in the game, and stay true to our principles while adding something extra when needed.”