Alessandro Bastoni was left impressed by the early impact of new Inter head coach Cristian Chivu as he prepares for his first competitive game in charge.
Inter Milan At FIFA CWC: Alessandro Bastoni 'Impressed' by Cristian Chivu's Start As Nerazzurri Boss
Chivu was announced as Simone Inzaghi's successor earlier this month, returning to the club he made over 100 appearances for during his professional playing career
Chivu was announced as Simone Inzaghi's successor earlier this month, returning to the club he made over 100 appearances for during his professional playing career.
Inzaghi has since become Al-Hilal's new manager, with his final game in charge coming in their 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
Indeed, their crushing loss was the biggest margin of defeat in a Champions League final, and their second loss in the showpiece match of the competition in the last three years.
Inzaghi won the 2023-24 Serie A title with Inter, while also adding two Coppa Italia and three Supercoppa Italiana trophies to their cabinet.
After four "draining but marvellous" seasons, Bastoni praised Chivu for instilling new energy into the squad following a difficult period.
"We had four marvellous years together [with Inzaghi], then he made this decision. We have no complaints and speak to him often," said Bastoni.
"It is not easy, but our job means we've got to start again, try to look at the positive aspects of the season that is coming to a close and start a new era. What we absolutely must do is bring in fresh enthusiasm.
"We've got to find that energy and the coach [Chivu] is helping. He pressed us on the importance of the journey we've had in recent years, the great things we achieved.
"I was immediately struck by Chivu on a human level. I already knew him, because he was the coach of the Primavera youth team, but perhaps we needed to hear him tell us all that we achieved in these years. I was really impressed by him.
"The coach and [assistant manager Aleksandar] Kolarov will need to work on our mentality, because these have been long and draining seasons."
Bastoni has also had a change of coach at international level after Gennaro Gattuso was appointed as the new head coach of Italy, replacing Luciano Spalletti.
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"Eras are not infinite, players and coaches must share the responsibility when things go badly, but this is what happens in football, and we must be ready for anything," he added.
Inter begin their Club World Cup campaign on June 17 against Mexico's Monterrey.
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