Inter head coach Cristian Chivu opened his pre-season press conference in Hong Kong on Friday by offering condolences following the death of Milan legend Franco Baresi.
"We join the world of sport in sending our condolences to Franco Baresi's family," Chivu said. "Everyone who loves football has lost a great icon of this sport."
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Pre-Season Preparations
The team is in Hong Kong after completing a training camp in Germany.
Chivu emphasized the pleasure of playing in the region while acknowledging both squads are still working toward full fitness.
Addressing defensive additions, the manager highlighted the arrival of defender John Stones, who signed with the Italian champions on a free transfer.
"I'm happy with Stones' arrival. He is important for us for many reasons: his quality, his personality and his charisma," Chivu said.
"He raises the level of our defence."
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With a month remaining in the transfer window and players still recovering from post-World Cup breaks, the manager stressed that squad adjustments remain ongoing.
"We need patience.
I ask for the bar to be raised," he said, adding that Inter would "assess the opportunities" for further reinforcements capable of taking the team to the next level.
Concluding his remarks on the upcoming pre-season fixture, Chivu praised opposing manager Enzo Maresca, who took over at Manchester City following Pep Guardiola's departure.
"He has already won the Championship and the Club World Cup. He is young, but he has already done very well," Chivu said.
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"I think he is the right man to lead the club after Guardiola."
