Marotta: ‘Chivu proving himself worthy of Inter, Simeone is fake news’
Inter President Beppe Marotta laughed off ‘fake news’ about approaching Diego Simeone, assuring Cristian Chivu ‘is proving himself worthy’ regardless of the Champions League play-off with Bodo/Glimt.
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.
There is a mountain to climb if the Nerazzurri are to stay in the competition after losing the first leg of this play-off 3-1 in Norway.
That defeat on the artificial pitch was doubly painful, as Lautaro Martinez also sustained a soleus injury and is expected to be out of action for a month.
Marotta reassuring on Chivu future at Inter
“Anything is possible in sport. They have a big advantage, but it is not insurmountable,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“This is why I have faith in our team, their determination, the support of all these fans. We must have respect for our opponents, but never fear, and we have the strongest motivation.”
There are quite a few special guests in the stands this evening, including ex-Inter hero Ronaldo, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
“Being able to emulate Ronaldo even just a little bit would be a dream for our young players,” smiled the President.
Hakan Calhanoglu is also on the treatment table, though Denzel Dumfries is back on the bench for the first time since November 9 after ankle surgery.
Davide Frattesi has been chosen for the midfield instead of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, partly for his history of scoring big Champions League goals to eliminate Bayern Munich and Barcelona last season.
Spanish media claimed yesterday that Inter have an agreement with Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone to take over from Cristian Chivu next season.
“It’s absolutely fake news, it’s not even worth talking about. We are extraordinarily happy with Chivu,” shrugged Marotta.
“Luck is a part of football, but the coach is proving himself worthy of the Inter job.”
Inter reached the Champions League Final twice in the last three years, so how would going out before the Round of 16 affect the club’s finances?
“In all honesty, it’s important, but not all that relevant. This is a night of sport, we want to honour it in the best possible way. If we were to miss this objective, obviously we’d have to make some adjustments, but it’s not a problem, certainly.”