Parma, 20 February 2025 - Parma manager, Cristian Chivu's words during his presentation in the 'Gianfranco Bellè” press room at the Ennio Tardini Stadium . 

President Kyle J. Krause's words: 'I would like to thank Fabio Pecchia for his work I wish him all the best in his future. We now have a new manager and we are here to present him. It is a pleasure to be here and I want to emphasise that Cristian was our first choice as he embodies all the qualities that we were looking for in a manager. When I say that he met all of our criteria, all I need to point out is that Cristian was already a leader in a very important squad at only 21-years-old. This was of course for Ajax, domestically and in Europe, where he exemplified his leadership that is at the heart of our phiolosphy here: we all believe in it, and so does Cristian. Therefore, I want Cristian to know that I wish him all the best here as his success will become our success. And, I will give him all the support he needs so that he can reach his goals'

MY PRIORITY AND THE TEAM

'Presidente Kyle J. Krause and I met the day that I arrived in Parma. I was somewhat taken aback by his call and the faith that a great club like Parma has given to me, especially throughout my interview in which we discussed our ambitions. I already knew Parma's situation and project and I know it is an important, long-term journey. I was delighted that the club got in contact and I am even more delighted to have been chosen as the mananger for such a historical club. The first three days were hard work as there were many people to meet and something is always happening. But the priority has always been the squad and getting to know everyone individually to prepare in the best way possible for our next match. I am pleased to be part of an ambitious team with an important project. It's true there are many young players here, but they are great players that our club has faith in. Our job is to help them grow as best as possible, by giving them opportunities to help us win points and to push them to keep improving. Parma is a solid team, but at the moment we are low in confidence than due to a poor string of results as of late. Our job is to restore confidence, self-belief, courage and proactiveness in this team as making these young players believe will only help them to improve, and this is what we're here to do. I would like to thank the President and the Club for their belief in me and for interviewing me as I am so happy to be with them on this journey together. Parma is truely the best I could've dreamt of when I began this career. I started in Inter's youth set-up as a young man. I am excited to take the reigns and for this chance to work within a club with such a great project. I have always loved working with young players and I have been doing this recently. I would like to pass on this enthusiasm and ambition to our players.'

CREATING BELIEF

'It's true, Parma are in a tough position and this team are lacking belief. These past couple days, our focus hase been to create belief and to have a different approach to what they have had up until now. We need patience and time, communication and determination to ensure that the team will have more personality and belief heading into matches. To mark this turning point we need to get points and win games. Everything is more simple when you win, there is no easy way to do this, but we must do something more than what has been done. I am referring to the whole team's responsibility but also as an individual. We must also be ambitious and determined to stay in the division. I cannot judge the team from a physical and mental perspective right now as they are a bit down. There's a lot to be done but the mental side is priority at this point in time'.

THE LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

“You are born with leadership, not all of them have it, but they need to find it to up their belief in themselves and the leaders in the team can help with this. Leadership is based on a key few players who pass it on to their teammates and then everyone should ultimately perform better. You can help these young players by giving them belief, talking to them, giving them feedback and making their voices feel heard and winning points will make them believe in you. It is important that they are being led by a credible person, not only in football but in life too. There is work to do, and we must adapt the approach to each player as they are all different. Giving belief to these young players means that will give back more than you think'

BOLOGNA, A STRONG SIDE

'I cannot say how we will play or it will make Vincenzo's job easier. When a new manager comes in, the opposition don't know how they will play. However, Bologna are a strong side, they played in the Champions League and they play great football. I don't think Vincenzo will be too worried. Obviously every game is difficult and important in Serie A, and you have to attack every match as the opposition will always give their all to win'

CHIVU'S MENTALITY

“I'm not sure who was more brave, Parma in hiring me or me in accepting. Throughout my life I have faced challenges, and they have given me added motivation, particularly the death of my father, travelling around Europe and injuries. I may not seem it but I am strong, and this is not a risk for me, but an honour. I feel and see belief, I will put everything into this and I will not stop until we reach our goal. When the manager changes, everyone gives a little more as they need to prove themselves. I have seen this, and the approach was positive. I have seen their desire to change this pattern straight away against Bologna. I have seen positive signs. As I said, when a new manager arrives, everything is well, everyone is enthusiastic and up for working hard. The young players are mature and responsible and they understand that they can only improve by working as hard as possible. If there were no problems, I wouldn't be here. I have studied the team, I have seen Parma's macthes and I could understand where the problems were. I repeat, for me there is no such thing as defence, everyone has to defend.'

EVERYONE HAS TO GIVE MORE

'Right now, Parma is ten times Ajax and I want my players to know this. They must understand that Parma is a great club, in a great place and they must all give more. They must realise that so many people believe in them and that we are trying to make them better footballers and better people. Strengths? We must improve everything, both individually and as a group. I believe that defense doesn't work with three or four players, but with the full eleven as everyone should defend. We went everyone to be active in both attack and defense'.

ADRIAN BERNABÉ AND DENNIS MAN

“Bernabé is a talented and important player. With regards to his role, I need to spend more time with him even though I know him and I was aware of him before. He is a complete midfielder and he can do a bit of everything, he can play in a midfield two or three and even as a 10. He has played many roles in his early career but I need to make sure I use him in his best position. Dennis Man, like the others, must work hard and take responsibility. He has not been himself since December and I want to help him get back to his form at the start of the season. But I want him to get even better than then because I know he has amazing potential':

THE FAMILY INFLUENCE

'First of all my parents influenced me a lot: my dad was a manager and he taught me many things. He made me a better person with good morals and values. I have learnt from all my former managers. I have held on to this maturity and knowledge and I still pass it on now at 44-years-old. I don't know what type of manager I am but I can say that my parents had a big influence on who I am today'.

THE MESSAGE TO THE FANS

'All I want to say to the fans is to keep doing what they always have done: supporting the team. It is a nice place here and we have everything we need to start strong and to go beyond expectations. Our job is to help these players grow, mature, and play better.'

MY CAREER

“After Inter Primavera, I took some time to study, to travel and to watch matches. I then began working again with UEFA, analysing Champions League matches. Its a great job as you meet meet important managers and you have the chance to analyse new patterns in football and you get to pass them on to those who want to learn more about the sport. I have had an important career in football, I have played for winning sides so I know what it takes to win. But what I have done doesn't matter. I have a whole wealth of knowledge and experiences. I hope that my qualities will help bring this team back to its best'.