Champions League Preview | Real Madrid vs Inter: If Chivu Wins, Real Madrid Could Consider Bringing Him In to Replace Mourinho

Recently, Mbappe said in an interview with the magazine of the Ballon d'Or organizers that he deserved to win this year's Ballon d'Or, and the remark quickly became a hot topic. But why? Neither at Real Madrid nor with the France national team has he won any major trophies, and the Golden Boot awards from La Liga, the Champions League, and the World Cup cannot serve as a basis. Although his goal tally has not surpassed Kane's, he has still shown strong ambition. French legend Christophe Dugarry commented that Mbappe's obvious request for the Ballon d'Or appeared both immature and sad. However, he also acknowledged that Mbappe has the potential to become the world's best player and questioned who could currently claim to be better than him.

Another French legend, Jerome Rothen, pointed out that Mbappe had chosen the timing of the interview very cleverly, while recent Ballon d'Or winners were not so explicit in their pursuit of the award. Commentator Antonio Romero said the most worrying thing was that Mbappe seemed completely unaware of the harsh realities. To win the Ballon d'Or, Mbappe needs strong proof, such as helping Real Madrid regain the Champions League title. If he can achieve that, next year's Ballon d'Or race would almost have no rival, and next year is not a major tournament year. From this perspective, judging by Real Madrid's 0-1 away defeat to Betis in the fourth round of La Liga, Mbappe still needs to work harder.

In terms of the match preview, Real Madrid will face Inter Milan in the first round of the Champions League group stage, with the match scheduled for 03:00 on September 9. After returning to coach Real Madrid, Mourinho was ambitious and brought in several expensive new signings during the summer transfer window, making the team's total market value exceed Manchester City's and rank first in the world. Based on the first three La Liga rounds, Mourinho's team appeared to be on a path toward a title challenge, but their first defeat of the season against Betis once again triggered outside doubts.

Regarding Mourinho's successful first spell as Real Madrid manager, journalist Frédéric Hermel believes it will be difficult for Real Madrid to lift the Champions League trophy again this season, with success becoming increasingly challenging. Meanwhile, current Inter manager Chivu was part of Mourinho's treble-winning team at the time. Although his coaching achievements are not yet comparable to his predecessor's, winning the Serie A title in his first season in charge is still worthy of recognition.

If Mourinho loses this mentor-versus-student clash, it would suggest that his tactics may no longer be effective, and Real Madrid could even consider bringing in Chivu as manager. In their last 10 matches, Real Madrid have recorded 8 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Although they suffered their first defeat after a three-match winning streak in La Liga, their strength remains unquestionable. Inter Milan have also remained unbeaten in their last 10 matches, with a positive start of 6 wins and 4 draws.

Historical records show that Real Madrid have held a dominant advantage in the last seven meetings between the two sides, with six wins and one draw. In the 2020-21 Champions League group stage and subsequent encounters, Inter Milan were defeated by Real Madrid in both matches. Despite Real Madrid facing multiple injuries, with seven players including Asensio and Mendy absent, and the impact of suspensions such as Camavinga's red-card ban being relatively limited, they can still field a core lineup. In this match, Real Madrid appear more worthy of expectation away from home, and their attacking group is certain to put significant pressure on Chivu's team.