Cristian Chivu’s career has been marked by achievement, whether it’s leading the Romanian national team, clinching the Dutch championship with Ajax, or celebrating victory in the Champions League with Inter Milan. Following his retirement, he even guided Inter’s youth squads.
Almost three decades ago, a 16-year-old took his first steps onto the pitch at CSM Reşiţa, a club not widely known in Romanian football. What began far from the elite of the game developed quickly, filled with both remarkable triumphs and intense challenges.
The latest chapter sees Cristian Chivu confronting his first major test as a manager: not only stepping into the Italian top tier for the first time — a pivotal moment for any coach — but also taking the reins of a senior team for the very first time.
A Vision for the Future
Parma, making their return to Serie A, now find themselves in peril of relegation back to the second tier.
Once a dominant force in Serie A, the club has faced relegation on three occasions this century, leaving many sceptical about the longevity of their current stay in the top flight.
Supporters had high hopes for a new era under Fabio Pecchia, the coach who led them to promotion last season, but he struggled to instill confidence in the squad at the Serie A level.
Enter Cristian Chivu, whose influence was immediately felt. His debut match as head coach coincided with his first victory — a 2-0 win against Bologna, enabling Parma to escape the relegation zone.
Among Parma’s historical coaches, only three have celebrated victory in their Serie A debuts: Carlo Ancelotti in 1996, Pietro Carmignani in 2001, and now Chivu.
A disappointing 1-0 loss to Udinese followed, dampening survival hopes, but club officials have indicated that Chivu’s appointment is more about building for the future rather than just the current season.
If the intention had been solely to remain in Serie A at all costs, owner Kyle Krause would have likely opted for a more experienced coach rather than a rookie. However, Krause’s vision revolves around nurturing young talent, an area where Chivu excels.
The consensus is that Parma is securing its long-term future; even if relegation occurs, there’s a likelihood Chivu will remain, particularly if he demonstrates skill in developing young players.
“I dislike mediocrity. I desire a team where the club and I act as partners. I am fully committed. I know how to cultivate players, and I can also win with them,” Chivu stated regarding his coaching approach prior to his appointment at Parma.
From Romania to Italy via Amsterdam
Chivu’s time in Romania lasted only two seasons before Ajax, recognising his talent, signed him in 1999 after extensive scouting.
Less than two years later, in 2001, he was made Ajax’s captain, a role in which he successfully led his teammates to the league title.
He subsequently joined Roma before moving to Inter Milan, where he enjoyed the pinnacle of his career, winning the Champions League in 2010 under the management of José Mourinho.
A Personal Challenge Amidst Glory
However, Chivu’s journey wasn’t without its hurdles. He faced a life-altering moment that placed his football career and even his life at risk.
In 2010, while playing for Inter, Chivu sustained a significant head injury when he suffered a fractured skull during a match against Chievo Verona.
He was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery.
Defying the odds, Chivu returned to the field and went on to win the Champions League with Inter. That same year, he was a member of the squad that made history by winning the treble, claiming the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia.
“I was fortunate to be in a city, Verona, where there was a state-of-the-art neurosurgery centre that was a lifesaver for me. I had to relearn how to walk and run… I struggled to head the ball,” Chivu reflected on his challenging recovery.
Transition to Coaching
Chivu, who had been the captain of the Romanian national team, previously expressed that he had no desire to enter coaching after his playing days were over.
His journey into coaching was accidental; while observing Champions League matches, he realised he was the only one without formal coaching qualifications. Embarrassed, he enrolled in coaching courses in 2020.
“I worked as a UEFA observer, attended many Champions League matches, and found myself at the same table as prominent figures like Alex Ferguson and David Moyes. I was the only one without qualifications in a room filled with distinguished coaches. Out of respect, I chose to pursue my education at Coverciano,” he explained.
“From the outset, I enjoyed being on the pitch with players and was able to communicate effectively. My playing career likely helped establish my credibility,” he added.
Success in Youth Coaching
Chivu acquired his coaching licence in Italy in 2017. In the following season, he took charge of Inter’s under-17 side, having previously coached the under-14 team.
On 16 September 2020, he earned his UEFA Pro licence from Coverciano coaching school. He then assumed control of Inter’s Primavera team in July 2021, securing the title in his debut season.
By 2023, Italian media speculated Chivu could replace Simone Inzaghi, who was struggling at Inter, while Ajax also recognised his potential as a coach.
The club reportedly tabled a three-year contract offer, initially as an assistant before stepping up to the top role, but Chivu declined the proposition.
A Daunting Task Ahead
Chivu is now faced with a formidable challenge at Parma, a team desperately fighting against relegation from Serie A.
The Romanian has inherited a struggling squad, with low morale and significant defensive woes. Following Fabio Pecchia’s dismissal, the team endured four consecutive losses and had gone almost two months without a victory.
Under Pecchia, Parma managed just two clean sheets — the fewest in the league — and conceded 45 goals over 25 matches.
He will need to swiftly adapt the squad to his preferred 4-3-3 formation, moving away from the 4-2-3-1 system previously employed by the Crusaders.
“Everyone must contribute at both ends,” he stated during his inaugural press conference.
“In defence, we must act as a unit. It can’t be left to just three or four players. Each individual bears responsibility in both offensive and defensive phases,” Chivu elaborated.
Even though the task of turning the team around may appear daunting, the Romanian coach is well-acquainted with the talented squad at his disposal. With an average age of 23.6, Parma are currently the youngest side in Serie A.
Leading their scoring charts this season is French forward Ange-Yoan Bonny, just 21, with five goals and two assists, while Swiss midfielder Simon Sohm, 23, has netted four times.
Additionally, Chivu has familiar faces in compatriots Valentin Mihaila (25) and Dennis Man (26), with the latter contributing four goals and four assists as a key offensive asset for Parma.
While Chivu may lack experience, if he can quickly piece together the squad’s challenges, the determination that characterised his playing days could set the stage for a similarly illustrious managerial career.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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