Chivu Urges Patience as Stones and Jones Begin Inter Adventure in Inter’s Cagliari Grind

Cristian Chivu has called for patience with John Stones and Curtis Jones after Inter Milan scraped past Cagliari 1-0, insisting both English recruits need time to adapt to life at San Siro.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu's early strike was enough to secure Inter all three points, but the reigning Serie A champions were made to work for the victory after failing to convert several chances.

The result gives Chivu's side a perfect start to the new campaign, with Inter now winning their opening two league matches.

Çalhanoğlu makes the difference

Inter needed only nine minutes to find the breakthrough.

Çalhanoğlu finished a well-worked move to put the visitors ahead, giving Chivu's side an early platform to control the contest.

Inter dominated large periods of the match and created several opportunities to double their advantage.

They could not find the second goal, however, allowing Cagliari to remain within touching distance until the final whistle.

Cagliari push for a way back

The failure to kill the game eventually created unnecessary pressure for Inter.

Cagliari became more adventurous after the interval and threatened to punish the champions for their missed opportunities.

Chivu admitted afterwards that his team became nervous towards the end and effectively put themselves under pressure by failing to settle the match earlier.

Despite the late scare, Inter held firm to secure another clean sheet and three valuable points.

Stones gets another taste of Serie A

John Stones was introduced during the second half as Chivu continued to carefully integrate the former Manchester City defender into his new surroundings.

The England international had already made his Inter debut against Monza, but Chivu believes Stones still needs time to reach his best physical condition.

The manager was clear that there is no concern about the defender's attitude.

Instead, the priority is allowing him to regain his fitness and gradually adapt to Inter's demands.

Jones begins his Inter journey

Curtis Jones also made his first appearance for Inter, entering from the bench as Chivu looked to protect his side's advantage.

The former Liverpool midfielder was one of the signings Chivu specifically wanted, with the Inter boss previously highlighting his personality, intensity and technical quality.

But Chivu does not expect instant results.

Jones still has to understand the team's tactical requirements and develop greater familiarity with his new teammates.

For Chivu, patience is the message.

The midfielder has the qualities Inter wanted, but adapting to a new league, country and tactical system will naturally take time.

Chivu refuses to rush his new signings

Chivu's comments underline the club's approach to its summer recruits.

Inter lost several players and deliberately targeted replacements with different characteristics, meaning the manager must gradually integrate them into an already established squad.

The Cagliari victory showed that the champions can collect results even while some of their new arrivals are still finding their feet.

That could prove valuable as the season progresses and the demands of Serie A and the Champions League increase.

Perfect start, but work remains

Two wins from two gives Inter the perfect platform.

Yet Chivu knows there are areas to improve.

The champions must become more ruthless in front of goal and avoid allowing opponents back into matches they should have already put beyond doubt.

For Stones and Jones, meanwhile, there is no need for immediate pressure.

Their Inter careers are only beginning.

Chivu has seen enough to know both players can contribute — but the Inter boss is making it clear that their best is still to come

Full-Time

Cagliari 0-1 Inter Milan

⚽ 9' — Hakan Çalhanoğlu

⭐ Talking Point

John Stones & Curtis Jones

Both English signings made their mark from the bench, but Chivu's message is clear: adaptation will take time

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