Chivu outlines Inter plans for Stankovic, Diouf and new arrivals

Chivu has outlined his plans for Inter’s squad, highlighting Aleksandar Stankovic, Andy Diouf and the way new arrivals have settled in. He praised Curtis Jones and Djed Spence in particular for adapting quickly to the group.

Stankovic’s situation reflects the competition in midfield. Despite limited opportunities so far, he remains in Chivu’s plans, although Hakan Calhanoglu and Piotr Zielinski are competing for the role in front of the defence. “He needs to keep his intensity, rhythm and desire to improve; sooner or later, we will see him,” the coach said. Chivu believes Stankovic must keep developing while contending with established midfielders.

To explain his confidence in the player, Chivu pointed to Stankovic’s path. He chose to move to Switzerland and gained experience at Brugge, where he played in the Champions League and won a trophy. “He had the courage to go to Switzerland; last year, he played in the Champions League with Brugge,” Chivu recalled. He also noted that Stankovic scored many goals in the competition and won with Brugge, before declaring that the player belongs at Inter.

The coach also praised Jones and Spence for settling in. “They have fitted perfectly into the group in every respect; it feels as if they have been here for a long time,” he said. Spence has been training with the group for a week and, in Chivu’s words, “does everything”. Jones, meanwhile, has been with the team from the start. Chivu also said John Stones was continuing his rehabilitation and improving, describing him as serious and a wonderful person. He welcomed the experience Stones can bring.

Finally, Chivu said he has been working with Diouf in a broader role. The midfielder is trying to meet the team’s needs and has accepted the demands of his current position, having previously expressed a desire to return to midfield. Chivu praised his application and willingness to learn what the team requires of him.