Chivu: ‘Inter need balance on press and taking risks’ in Champions League

Chivu: ‘Inter need balance on press and taking risks’ in Champions League Cristian Chivu defends his Inter choices in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk and insists they are trying to ‘find that balance on when to press and take risks.’ It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST). You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Como vs. Manchester United on the Liveblog. MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 13: Carlos Forbs of Club Brugge KV is challenged by Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Club Brugge KV at Stadio San Siro on October 13, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) The pressure is really on the Nerazzurri after losing both their opening Champions League fixtures, 2-1 away to Real Madrid and 4-3 at home to Club Brugge. Including last season, that means they have lost seven of their last eight games in the tournament, a dreadful record for a side that had reached the Final in both 2023 and 2025. Chivu stands up for Inter MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Cristian Chivu, Manager of Internazionale, looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) “After two defeats, we need to win, especially as we are on home turf and must rediscover what we earned over the years, that intensity, hunger and Champions League victories,” Chivu told Amazon Prime Video Italia. Inter have limited options this evening due to injuries, as Lautaro Martinez is out for around a month, with Benjamin Pavard, Curtis Jones and John Stones also sidelined, but Djed Spence gets his first start. However, Josep Martinez keeps his spot in goal, despite criticism over his performances. “I do not understand these questions, Martinez is the first choice goalkeeper of Inter, this is the first season where he has taken on that responsibility,” replied Chivu. “At this moment, it is his opportunity, then as time goes on we’ll give a chance to Ivan Provedel too.” MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 10: Djed Spence of FC Internazionale Milano is embraced by Cristian Chivu, Manager of FC Internazionale Milano, before he comes on as a substitute during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) With the Derby della Madonnina coming up against bitter rivals Milan this weekend, some squad rotation is therefore inevitable. “In terms of defence, we have not changed a lot, perhaps the responsibility and determination in some situations has changed, we are adding something in the way we attack the ball to win it back, but we’ve got to find that balance on when to press and when to take risks,” continued Chivu. MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) “We are working on it and aware that in football there are also mistakes. We’ve got to rediscover our determination, concentration and aggression.” Shakhtar Donetsk have been very impressive in the Champions League this season and are unbeaten, with a 1-1 draw away to PSV Eindhoven and 3-1 victory over AEK Athens.