Chivu on Coaching: ‘I Don’t Like Masking My Feelings, Diouf Extraordinary, Stones Is Serious’

FolioPitch.com – 07 October 2026 | In a candid interview on the Cronache di Spogliatoio podcast, Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu opened up about his coaching philosophy, his approach to man-management, and his thoughts on new signings. The Romanian, who won the Treble with Inter as a player in 2010, has made a remarkable start to his managerial career, winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia in his first full season. But it’s his authenticity that stands out, as he declared, ‘Chivu I don t like masking my feelings Diouf extraordinary Stones is serious’—a sentiment that perfectly captures his no-nonsense approach.

Avoiding the Masks of Management

Chivu explained that he refuses to wear metaphorical masks to hide his true self, even when the pressures of top-level management might tempt him to do so. ‘This is a world that can change the way you perceive certain things, and there is the risk you’ll have to put on masks to hide your real self in certain moments,’ he said. ‘I don’t like doing that, and when I get sucked into that side of things too much is when I’ll say enough.’ For Chivu, staying true to himself is non-negotiable, and he insists he is still the same person who once marshalled Inter’s defence. ‘I’ve had a year and a half of experience as a Serie A coach, a few more grey hairs, but nothing else has changed about me,’ he added. This philosophy extends to his players: he rejects the traditional Italian pre-match training retreat, preferring to treat his squad like adults and avoid adding unnecessary stress. ‘I try to have understanding, to not add extra stress to what they already have,’ he noted. ‘I have learned to be more stable in my uncertainty. Success and failure are just two different b***ards that I treat the same way.’

Trusting Players to Handle Responsibility

One notable difference from his predecessor, Simone Inzaghi, is Chivu’s reluctance to automatically substitute a player who is on a yellow card. ‘I give responsibility to those who are experienced and know how to play with a card hanging over them,’ he explained. This approach reflects his belief in empowering players, a trait that has clearly resonated in the dressing room. It’s all part of his man-management style, which he sums up with the phrase, ‘Chivu I don t like masking my feelings Diouf extraordinary Stones is serious’—a mantra that underscores his honesty and directness.

New Signings: Spence, Jones, and Stones

Inter made significant investments in English talent this summer, bringing in Djed Spence, Curtis Jones, and John Stones. Chivu has been impressed by how quickly they’ve adapted. ‘There’s nothing Spence cannot do, he’s been working with the squad for a week now. Jones was always present, Stones is working on recovery,’ he said. ‘We tried to sign people who are close to our way of doing things. Jones and Spence settled in very quickly, while Stones is a little more serious, but still a marvellous person. We’re pleased to have him, for his experience and what he represents as a player.’ The coach’s assessment, ‘Chivu I don t like masking my feelings Diouf extraordinary Stones is serious’, highlights his straightforward evaluation of each player’s character and contribution.

Andy Diouf: A Raw Talent with Extraordinary Mentality

One player who has caught Chivu’s eye is Andy Diouf, who recently earned his senior France debut. Diouf is used as an attacking right-sided winger for Inter, a left-back for Les Bleus, and his preferred position is central midfield. ‘Diouf is curious, eager to improve, so we spend a lot of time with him in the video sessions to help him understand how to move without the ball,’ Chivu revealed. ‘He’s not accustomed to defending, but I couldn’t ask for more in his desire to work hard and do better. It’s a long process and you can learn faster from mistakes sometimes. At times he shoots on his weaker right foot, and I like that, he needs to find more solutions. His mental strength is extraordinary.’ That praise is telling, and it’s no wonder Chivu’s words, ‘Chivu I don t like masking my feelings Diouf extraordinary Stones is serious’, have resonated with fans.

Conclusion

Cristian Chivu’s refreshing honesty and player-centric approach are setting him apart as one of the most intriguing young coaches in Serie A. By refusing to mask his feelings, trusting his players with responsibility, and nurturing talents like Andy Diouf, he is building an Inter side that reflects his own values. As he continues to develop, one thing is clear: Chivu will remain true to himself, and that authenticity might just be his greatest asset in the high-stakes world of football management.