Cristian Chivu has played down the importance of Inter’s upcoming pre-season derby against AC Milan in Perth, Australia. The Inter manager said his main focus is on match fitness and the overall progress of the squad before the new season, making it clear that the result of the friendly carries no real bragging rights.

Chivu puts fitness before results

The Inter coach said he is not concerned about the final outcome of Wednesday’s pre-season meeting with local rivals Milan in Perth. The Romanian tactician is concentrating on physical preparation and match sharpness for his Nerazzurri players as they build towards the start of the official campaign. Chivu stressed that the team’s display on the pitch matters far more than winning warm-up games in August.

‘August trophies count for nothing’

Speaking on the eve of the friendly in Australia, Chivu set out his priorities while brushing aside talk of pre-season silverware or the significance of a domestic derby result.

Explaining the team’s priorities and responding to whether he would accept derby defeats in exchange for another league title, Chivu said: “I want to see growth, physically and in terms of condition, I’m not looking at the type of match we have to face. Tomorrow is a friendly, and August trophies count for nothing.”

He added: “That’s a question for the fans. I’m the coach, I have to worry about getting my players into the best possible condition for the start of the season.”

Romanian coach reflects on the derby

Chivu also gave his view on the worldwide appeal of the Milan derby being staged abroad, before sharing his thoughts on the possibility of official Serie A matches being played outside Italy.

Assessing the significance of the fixture, Chivu said: “It’s a special match for everyone, but in the end it’s a match like any other. Inter and Milan are famous all over the world; it’ll certainly be a good match to watch.”

On the idea of league matches being held overseas, he said: “It would be nice, but it’s not easy to organise.”

Serie A opener coming up quickly

Inter head into the new season as reigning Serie A champions and are due to begin their domestic campaign at home against Monza on August 22. Milan, meanwhile, now under new head coach Ruben Amorim, will travel to Torino the following day.

Chivu also warned that players returning late after post-World Cup breaks are unlikely to be fully ready in match terms for the opening fixture.