Calhanoglu Opens Up On The Chivu Revolution

"He's like a brother." Hakan Calhanoglu has revealed the secret behind Inter's seamless transition, praising Cristian Chivu's focus on the human side of the locker room.

Grateful for the Past, Excited for the Future

The Turkish "Regista" hasn't forgotten his roots. In a revealing sit-down with beIN Sports Australia, Hakan Calhanoglu took a moment to pay homage to the man who brought him across the Naviglio. "I absolutely cannot say anything against Simone Inzaghi," Calhanoglu stated, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. "If I’m at Inter, it’s also thanks to him. When he arrived, he wanted me very strongly, and with him I've grown tremendously, both as a person and as a footballer." It’s a touch of class from a player who clearly values the bridge Inzaghi built for his Nerazzurri career.

The "Human" Aspect of Chivu-ball

However, it’s the current regime that has Hakan speaking with a different spark in his eye. Calhanoglu was clinical in detailing what makes Cristian Chivu stand out: "With mister Chivu, though, there's something different. He's a person who cares deeply about the human aspect. He doesn't just think about football: for him, it's important to know how you are, how you feel." As reported, this focus on the player as a person has created a bond of trust that goes beyond the chalkboard.

A Brother on the Sidelines

While the training remains at "one hundred percent," the atmosphere off the pitch has shifted into something more familial. "Off the field, he's like a brother, like a friend. You can talk to him about anything; he's always close to you," Calhanoglu explained to beIN Sports. For a squad coming off a long, grinding season, this psychological freshness is clearly the fuel for the new campaign. Hakan even hinted at personal gratitude, noting: "I’ve had various situations to face and resolve, and he's helped me a ton. I'm very grateful to him."

Dominance as the Only Objective

Don't let the "brotherly" vibe fool you—the hunger for silver remains the driving force at Appiano Gentile. Calhanoglu was firm when discussing the targets for the post-Inzaghi era: "The goal is always to win again or dominate the championship. Everyone thought we were 'dead' after what happened the year before, but we responded on the pitch." With eight trophies in five years and two Champions League finals under his belt, Hakan is now the elder statesman of a midfield that doesn't just want to win—it wants to leave a permanent mark on Italian history.

The ForzaIM Take

This is exactly why Chivu was the right choice. After the tactical rigidity of Inzaghi, the boys needed someone who could see the men behind the shirts. Hakan is playing with a freedom we haven't seen in years, and if the "brotherly" bond with Chivu keeps him this motivated, the rest of Serie A is in serious trouble. Inzaghi gave us the foundation; Chivu is giving us the soul.

Do you think Chivu’s "human-first" approach is more effective for high-level stars like Calhanoglu than the traditional tactical-heavy management?

Forza Inter sempre!