Chivu takes the blame after Calhanoglu criticism for skipping Italy vs Turkiye
Cristian Chivu has taken the blame in the wake of criticism aimed at Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who was absent from the Italy vs Turkiye international match. The criticism centered on Calhanoglu's decision not to join the Turkish national team setup for the fixture. Chivu, speaking to the media, assumed responsibility for the situation, likely attempting to shield his player from further scrutiny. The episode highlights the tension between club and international duty and the scrutiny star players face over their availability for national team call-ups.
Read the full story at football-italia.netCristian Chivu stepping up to take public blame for Calhanoglu's absence from the Italy vs Turkiye fixture is a notable show of managerial solidarity with a key player. Calhanoglu, as one of Inter's most influential midfielders, often becomes a lightning rod for debate whenever he is unavailable for Turkiye duty, and having his coach publicly absorb the pressure can help stabilize the dressing room. The episode also reflects a broader pattern in Italian football where managers increasingly manage the media narrative around international breaks to protect their squad ahead of the club season.
Context added by Socc360, not by football-italia.net.
Data source: football-italia.net (via Socc360). Last updated .
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