At 45, Cristian Chivu has the title (scudetto) in his pocket and can do the historic double, if he also triumphs in the Coppa Italia (Inter is in the semi-finals). The Romanian coach can equal the achievements of the Portuguese Jose Mourinho (63 years old), with whom he won the Champions League in 2010.
The Italian press claims that the heads of the Milanese group have prepared the prize for the coach of the Nerazzurri: the extension of the contract. The Resițean could become Inter’s second debutant coach to win both trophies, after Special One.
Chivu is about to go down in history alongside three illustrious colleagues: Vycpalek, Sacchi and Mourinho. They are the only three to win a league title in their first season in Serie A. Last season, Chivu sat on the bench for Parma for 13 games and ensured their survival. His Inter campaign is his first full season at a top club.
Only Vycpalek in 1972, Sacchi in 1989 and Mourinho in 2009 have achieved this feat. Furthermore, Chivu could also be the only player, alongside José, to win both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia on his debut for Inter. Chivu’s style convinced Inter to renew his contract and continue to invest in him for the next few years, starting a cycle.
The renewal of Chivu’s contract is considered a formality by the Italian press. Inter are 9 points ahead of second-placed Napoli with 6 games remaining. Cristian currently earns 2.5 million euros. He will receive a significant salary adjustment. Talk about doubling your income.
The squad will undergo significant changes: Sommer, Acerbi, De Vrij and Mkhitaryan will leave in the summer, as well as the second goalkeeper, Josep Martinez. The situation of Bastoni, who Barcelona will be keen to buy, remains unknown. Hansi Flick sees him next to Cubarsi in the center of defense.
In terms of arrivals, Vicario (keeper) is announced, along with Muharemovic from Sassuolo, Ordonez from Club Brugge, Gila from Lazio, Solet from Udinese. A midfield acquisition is also expected: the first name is Koné.
He has Phil Jackson as his role model
The bosses found out how Chivu works and that led them to keep him. The Italian press describes him as a man interested in the psychological aspect.
During the break of the matches, the coach of the Nerazzurri rarely ends up giving in nervously in the dressing room, screaming or yelling. The only time this happened was in Turin in mid-September when Inter were leading in the 45th minute in the Juventus derby.
In general, however, the coach never raises his voice. Chivu’s philosophy is: attention, understanding, trust. The goal is to instill in its players an awareness of their own potential. Much more dialogue and as little scolding, yelling or muttering as possible. This is how he behaved during most of the breaks.
It is no secret that the Romanian has a passion for other sports. American football and basketball top the list. And one of the models he follows closely is American basketball coach Phil Jackson, a master of top champions, winner of 11 championships and masterful manager of such stars as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Chivu is an avid reader of books, often written by American authors dealing with the subject of psychology.
