Atletico Madrid Vs Inter Milan – Cristian Chivu Not Interested In Diego Simeone Comparisons: “I’m Neither Better Nor Worse”

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu addressed the press ahead of tomorrow night’s clash against Atletico Madrid.

During his pre-game conference via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old commented on recent comparisons between him and Diego Simeone.

Cristian Chivu replaced Simone Inzaghi in the Nerazzurri dugout in June after Cesc Fabregas turned down Inter’s approach.

Despite coaching Parma in the top flight for only a few months, the Romanian tactician gained valuable experience.

Indeed, following an underwhelming FIFA Club World Cup journey in the summer, he has hit the ground running this season.

Although Inter slipped to fourth in the Serie A table after a narrow 1-0 loss to AC Milan on Sunday, they remain one of the Scudetto favorites.

Furthermore, the San Siro giants have gone from strength to strength in the Champions League.

With four wins from as many league-phase fixtures, they’re on the verge of securing a second consecutive automatic last-16 qualification.

Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Not Interested in Diego Simeone Comparison Ahead of Atletico Madrid Clash

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu gesturesduring the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Out of habit, I look at the glass as half full,” Chivu said. “Then, if we need to analyze what a defeat means, we should talk a bit more, but I take quality, attitude, and desire.

“And I would say that our growth in these aspects is evident.

“Then we’re missing something because, apart from Roma, we’ve collected almost nothing from direct confrontations, but I’m confident.

“For me, defeats aren’t all the same because we’ve always had a proactive attitude.

“In other defeats, like in Turin or against Roma or Napoli, we conceded a bit more than we did against Milan.

“Against Milan, we were solid and didn’t give them the opportunity to express themselves at their best, and that makes me think.

“It’s not a defeat like the others. But it’s still a defeat, but we added something extra.

“It wasn’t enough, and we need to add more that will allow us to break this taboo in direct confrontations.

“However, we are working well, the team is alive and wants to return to high levels.”

Meanwhile, Chivu also revealed what he told his players after Sunday’s Milan derby.

“To keep working,” he claimed. “Alessandro [Bastoni], after the match, said it’s better to lose 3-0 than to dominate and lose 1-0.

“I don’t know if he’s right or not because, as a coach, I also have to see the positive side and think about managing frustration.

“Unfortunately, against Milan, the performance wasn’t enough.

“Maybe we needed a bit more luck; I never talk about it, but in this game, it’s important.”

Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Expects Tough Match vs Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian coach Diego Simeone reacts during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) semi final first leg football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Athletic Club Bilbao at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on February 7, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

Asked whether he considers himself better than Diego Simeone, Chivu replied: “I’m neither better nor worse than him.

“He’s been here for 14 years, but I don’t feel inferior or superior.”

However, the former defender expects Atletico Madrid to put Inter’s European credentials to the test.

“It’s an important Champions League match,” he continued. “Some have said that so far we’ve had easy games.

“However, there are never easy games in the Champions League.

“You have to take the points and bring them home; tomorrow won’t be easy, just as it wasn’t in previous matches.”

Furthermore, Chivu also views Los Rojiblancos as viable Champions League contenders.

“Because of their prestige,” he stated. “For what they’ve shown in recent years, and with Simeone in the Champions League, I think they have a duty to go all the way.”

Moreover, Chivu also commented on Simeone’s notorious defensive approach.

“Now I’m thinking if I’ve faced him before, I don’t remember. But I appreciated his whole career, both in Italy and Argentina.

“I faced him as a player when he was just starting as a coach; he was at Catania.

“He has always expressed his ideas, he’s been here 14 years and that’s no small feat.

“I’ve also faced him in a friendly, and I greeted him before the game.

“He said kind words and we exchanged a few remarks. He’s more experienced. I still have black hair, and not for long.

“I hope to have a nice career like he did.”

Cristian Chivu on Marcus Thuram

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Finally, Chivu offered a fitness update on Marcus Thuram, who returned to the starting lineup against Milan for the first time since September.

However, the French striker could surrender his place in attack to either Ange-Yoan Bonny or Francesco Pio Esposito tomorrow.

Indeed, Chivu could bench the 28-year-old as a precaution, given his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“Today he trained very well, he brought intensity,” Chivu confirmed. “We obviously have to pay attention.

“But he had three weeks available and worked well.

“Against Milan, he played 90 good minutes, except for the last five minutes when he was lacking a bit physically.

“However, mentally, he was always in the game. Tomorrow we’ll evaluate.”

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