The world of football was shaken by an explosive declaration to say the least issued by Cristian Chivu, former Romanian defender and current emerging coach, who made fans and professionals discuss throughout Europe. In an exclusive interview with an Italian sports broadcaster, Chivu said:
“If I had been the Inter coach in the Champions League final, the PSG would have been simply crushed.”

The phrase, pronounced with a decisive tone and a safe look, became viral in a few minutes. According to Chivu, Inter had all the credentials to clearly win the final one, but the strategy adopted “was too prudent and without courage”. He then added that, with him on the bench, Inter would play “offensively, without reverence with the PSG stars”.

The declaration naturally aroused oneImmediate and furious reaction from Luis Enrique, coach of Paris Saint-Germain, who defined Chivu’s words “a free and respectful insult”.
During a press conference held a few hours later, Enrique – visibly opposed – surprised everyone with an answer as short as it is sharp:
“Chatters don’t win the cups. The facts speak.”

The most striking gesture, however, arrived at the end of the conference, when the Spanish coach raised the Champions League trophy in front of the cameras, smiling ironically, and said:
“This is not won with ‘if’. This is won on the field.”

The social networks immediately inflamed. Between Inter fans divided between those who support Chivu and those who accuse him of lack of touch, and supporters of the PSG who lift compact with their technician, the debate is more heated than ever.

Some Italian football legends have also taken position. Marco Materazzi, Chivu’s former teammate, commented:
“I understand frustration, but these outputs do not help. Respect comes first.”

In the meantime, Inter management has chosen not to officially comment, keeping a neutral position, even if some internal sources reveal a certain embarrassment for the words of the former player.

This controversy, as unexpected as it is intense, risks feeding new tensions between clubs and coaches, just as the waters were thought to calm down after the final.

One thing is certain:The Champions League 2025 will not be remembered only for the final result, but also for the sparks born off the pitch.