Hakan Calhanoglu has shed light on the key difference between Inter Milan coaches Cristian Chivu and Simone Inzaghi, offering fresh insight into life under the new manager.
According to La Repubblica, via FCInterNews, the Turkish midfielder spoke at length about his relationships with both coaches, his stunning goal against Roma, and Inter’s Scudetto ambitions.
Calhanoglu was full of praise for Inzaghi, but singled out Chivu for a particular quality.
“With Simone I have a wonderful relationship, he really wanted me at the club,” he said. “Chivu is even more empathetic, closer to the players. He cares about how you are doing off the pitch.”
The midfielder also broke down his goal against Roma in forensic detail.
“I understand that Bastoni can’t cross, so I get into position. Zielinski sees me and plays it to me. I check there’s no one behind me, push the ball forward and shoot.”
He was equally keen to defend Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar from criticism.
“To those who criticise him, my advice is: try standing in goal yourself and see if you can save it. The ball changes direction after the goalkeeper has shifted his weight. That’s an effect I look for, striking from underneath.”
Calhanoglu also addressed the Scudetto race directly, revealing what was said inside the dressing room before the win over Roma.
“The memory of the Scudetto lost by one point is still alive, we don’t want that to happen again,” he said.
“We told each other we need to give more, take more responsibility. It worked. We have to keep going like this and wrap it up as soon as possible.”
On the absence of captain Lautaro Martinez, Calhanoglu was measured.
“When he’s not there, you miss him. But there are others with great experience and charisma too: Sommer, Akanji, Acerbi.”
He also spoke warmly about what it means to be embraced by the Inter fanbase.
“From a foreigner’s perspective, it is wonderful to understand that you have entered the hearts of a people like this. I try to give back love and respect by giving everything on the pitch.”
“My dream is to win major trophies with Inter. After losing two Champions League finals, that’s the objective.”