Inter Milan’s new coach, Cristian Chivu, is determined to move past recent defeats as the Italian club prepares for its Club World Cup opener against Mexico’s Monterrey on Tuesday at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.
Inter enters the tournament on the heels of a historic 5-0 thrashing by PSG in the Champions League final and a narrow miss for the Serie A title.
Chivu, appointed last week, views the Club World Cup as an opportunity to “turn the page.”
“You mustn’t think about the past,” Chivu stated, emphasizing the need for Inter to be their “best version” and avoid excuses. “We are ready. We’ve worked very hard these past few days.”
Inter, grouped with Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds and Argentina’s River Plate, faces a Monterrey side led by former Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos.
Ramos acknowledged Inter as favorites but promised his team would “go toe-to-toe against every opponent.”