Chivu says Stankovic remains firmly in his plans despite limited opportunities so far, with the midfielder facing competition from Hakan Calhanoglu and Piotr Zielinski for the role in front of the defence.
“Ale is a playmaker but he can play as a midfielder: he is a playmaker, in front of the defence, he has a good foot,” Chivu told Cronache di Spogliatoio.
“He needs to improve his timing, but guys, we are talking about a player who only started his journey two years ago.”
Chivu pointed to Stankovic’s decision to move to Switzerland and his experience with Club Brugge, where he played Champions League football and won a trophy, as evidence of his development.
“He had the courage to go to Switzerland, last year he played in the Champions League with Brugge,” Chivu said. “This boy scored many goals in the Champions League, won with Brugge and is a player for Inter.”
The coach believes Stankovic must continue to improve while accepting that opportunities are limited by the presence of established midfielders.
“In front of him there is Calhanoglu, and we all know what he means to this team. There is also Zielinski as a playmaker,” he said. “Stankovic needs to maintain intensity, rhythm and the desire to improve and sooner or later we will see him.”
Chivu also praised Curtis Jones and Djed Spence for their integration into the squad, saying both have quickly adapted to Inter Milan’s environment.
“Spence has been training with us for a week and does everything,” he said. “Jones has always been with us, John (Stones) is doing his rehabilitation and is also getting better.”
Chivu says both have quickly fitted into the dressing room.
“Jones and Spence have fitted perfectly into the group from every point of view. It seems they have been here for quite a while,” he said.
He reserved particular praise for John Stones, describing the defender as a serious but exceptional person whose experience can benefit the squad.
“John is more serious but he is a wonderful person. You do not find many like him in football,” Chivu said. “We are pleased to have him for the experience he has, because he can give us a lot.”
Chivu has also been working with Diouf in a wider role and says the midfielder is committed to learning what the team requires.
“Diouf is an applied boy, he does his best to give the team what it needs during matches,” Chivu said. “He always wants to improve. We spend a lot of time in the video room helping him understand the movements without the ball, and I see him very attentive.”
Diouf has previously expressed a desire to return to midfield, but Chivu says the player has accepted the demands of his current role.