Andy van der Meyde believes new Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu could prove a gamble worth taking despite a slow start.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, the former midfielder gave the 44-year-old the benefit of the doubt.

Cristian Chivu returned to San Siro in a different capacity in the summer, replacing Simone Inzaghi at the helm.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri appointed the ex-defender as the new head coach in June.

Despite not being the club’s first choice to fill the vacancy, Chivu has returned to Giuseppe Meazza for the third time.

Furthermore, he got his Serie A tenure off to a flying start, overseeing a 5-0 demolition of Torino.

However, consecutive defeats to Udinese and Juventus have brought him under heavy scrutiny.

In his defense, Chivu had very little say in Inter’s transfer dealings during the summer.

Instead, Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio were pulling all the strings, almost without consulting the Romanian.

Andy van der Meyde Tells Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu What to Do to Succeed

MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 12: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Pre-season Friendly match between AC Monza and FC Internazionale at U-Power Stadium on August 12, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“If you have this job inside you, time isn’t the issue,” Van der Meyde said.” From Parma to Inter is certainly a big leap, risky for everyone.

“However, I think the directors know him well: they trust him and gave him confidence.

“It remains a huge gamble, but for me he can win it if he manages to shake off the past.

“From Thuram to Lautaro, up to Calhanoglu, who I saw looking great again, many need to forget the end of last season.”

Asked whether he still sees lingering effects from Inzaghi’s regime, the Dutchman replied: “Yes, that’s how I explain the last defeats…

“The Champions League was a huge disappointment, with all the chaos afterwards and the former coach leaving in that way.

“Chivu is now beginning a new chapter, and he must work on the mental side. He has strong players to try again, like the forwards and the wide men. Above all, one of them…”

Finally, he lauded Denzel Dumfries for deciding to stay at San Siro.

“In my opinion, yes,” Van de Meyde claimed. “With a World Cup just around the corner, it’s important to play regularly.

“At Inter, he has a nearly guaranteed spot, and that will also help him with the national team.

“He could have gone elsewhere, but he risked ending up on the bench. Now Denzel can remain a key player, and after 2026, maybe, he’ll make a new choice.

“He’s a strategic and unique player: he scores more than a striker, provides assists, and is fundamental for both Inter and the Netherlands.”