Calhanoglu Reflects on Inter’s Resurgence and Future Ambitions in Serie A
In a recent interview, Hakan Calhanoglu expressed the resilience of Inter Milan, emphasizing, “Everyone thought Inter were dying” following their Champions League Final loss. However, he praised Cristian Chivu’s impact as head coach, describing him as “like a brother” to the players and affirming their goal to “dominate” Serie A.
Despite ongoing speculation about a potential transfer to Galatasaray, the midfielder remains firmly dedicated to the Nerazzurri’s cause. He shared insights into why winning the latest Scudetto held special significance for him, especially after a tough 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Europe.
Calhanoglu reflected on the team’s strong mentality, stating, “Every time we have a difficult moment or situation, we respond.” He highlighted the cohesiveness of the squad, which has played together for numerous years, allowing them to handle challenges effectively.
Transitioning to a new coach last summer, Chivu, who took over from Simone Inzaghi with limited experience, has guided the team to win both the domestic league and Coppa Italia. Calhanoglu acknowledged Inzaghi’s role in his arrival at the club, noting his growth as a player and individual under his leadership.
He elaborated on Chivu’s different coaching style, saying, “He cares more about the person, not about football,” which fosters a supportive environment for players to communicate openly.
With ambitions high, Calhanoglu outlined Inter’s goals for the current season: “The goal is always to keep dominating the league.” After five years with the team and numerous accolades, he expressed a desire to continue winning titles, including the Scudetto.
Despite criticisms aimed at Serie A following challenges faced by the national team, Calhanoglu praised the league’s competitiveness. “Serie A is a good league, a very good league,” he asserted, mentioning clubs like Atalanta and Fiorentina that are improving by acquiring strong players. He ranks Serie A among the top three leagues globally alongside English and Spanish football.
The conversation also delved into lighter topics, such as his ideal football player, combining traits from various stars, alongside discussions about his best teammates, including Heung-min Son and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He concluded by naming Arda Turan, Emre Belozoglu, and Kenan Yildiz among the best players he has worked with in the Turkish national team.
Hakan Calhanoglu notes ‘everyone thought Inter were dying’ after the Champions League Final, but Cristian Chivu is ‘like a brother’ to players and they aim to ‘dominate’ Serie A.
The midfielder seems to be linked with a move away from San Siro every summer, particularly to Galatasaray, but remains committed to the Nerazzurri cause.
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He sat down for an in-depth interview and confessed why the most recent Scudetto was extra special after recovering from a 5-0 defeat in Europe to Paris Saint-Germain.
Calhanoglu saw ‘dying’ Inter revived
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale Milano poses for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Everyone is thinking that Inter is let’s say dying, after what happened,” Calhanoglu told beIN Sports Australia.
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“But this team has a strong mentality. Every time we have a difficult moment or situation, we respond. The players have been together many years, we know how to handle it, that’s what makes us different. As a team, we respond when something isn’t going so well.”
Chivu was also a surprise taking over from Simone Inzaghi last summer, but with practically no experience as a head coach at senior level, he steered them to the domestic Double.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, celebrates with Hakan Calhanoglu after during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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“I cannot say anything bad about Simone Inzaghi, because he wanted me at Inter, it is because of him that I am here, and I grew so much with him, as a person and a player,” noted Calhanoglu.
“With Chivu now it is something different, he cares more about the person, not about football. It’s more important how you feel, and he’s open to everything. He gives you the confidence to feel good.
“Of course, he has tactical things in the games and training, but out of football he’s like a brother or a friend, you can always talk to him about anything.
“I had a lot of things to resolve, and he helped me a lot.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s second from the penalty spot goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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After winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia, what is the ambition for this season at Inter?
“The goal is always to keep dominating the league. I’ve been here five years, won eight trophies, and reached two Champions League Finals. I wish we had won one, but that’s football. We’ll try again to win the Scudetto, keep winning trophies.”
Serie A is often criticised, especially after the recent difficulties of the Italy national team, but Calhanoglu stands up for Calcio.
“Serie A is a good league, a very good league. Teams like Atalanta and Fiorentina are buying a lot of good players, Serie A is for me in the top three with English and Spanish leagues.”
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The interview ended with a series of games, including when Calhanoglu was given a series of characteristics and asked to build his perfect football player.
“Right foot Jorginho, left foot Messi, speed primetime Walker, strength Hulk, skill Neymar, shooting Cristiano Ronaldo.”
What were his best teammates, both at club level and for Turkiye?
“Heung-min Son, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and there’s a lot of good players, so it’s not easy to choose, but then I would say out of Inter who I like for the style and everything is Thuram.
“The best players I’ve worked with for the national team are Arda Turan, Emre Belozoglu and now Kenan Yildiz,” concluded Calhanoglu.
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