Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu has launched a fierce defense of his star defender Alessandro Bastoni, dismissing the recent wave of criticism as a "witch hunt" and suggesting the player's detractors are the ones in need of help. Speaking ahead of a Serie A clash with Como, the Romanian manager addressed the intense scrutiny Bastoni has faced since February.

The Italian international has found himself in the eye of a storm following a series of controversial incidents. The backlash began after he was seen celebrating a red card shown to Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, leading to boos from away fans. The situation escalated when Bastoni himself received a red card while on duty with the Italian national team during a crucial World Cup play-off.

Chivu, however, was unequivocal in his support. "Alessandro doesn't need to be psychologically 'fixed'," he stated. "People have gone all out against him, creating a real witch hunt. I think they're the ones who might need some psychological work." This strong backing from the manager highlights the tight-knit culture at Inter, where protecting key players is paramount, especially during a title charge.

The defender's form remains critical for Inter, who are sitting pretty at the top of Serie A with a seven-point cushion over Napoli and are also competing in the Coppa Italia semifinals. The team recently snapped a three-game winless streak with a commanding 5-2 victory over Roma, signaling a return to their dominant best.

Chivu, embracing the pressure that comes with leading a club of Inter's stature, outlined his ambitions. "Being the Inter coach means having important ambitions," he said. "We're heading into the last two months of the season with the chance to achieve our objectives. We have a duty to believe we can win everything still up for grabs."

Concluding with a note on his own philosophy, the coach emphasized authenticity over external noise. "My principles go beyond the expectations of someone else's narrative. I've always remained myself. I don't feel the need to make bold statements or seek out conflict." As the season reaches its climax, this united front from manager and player will be vital for Inter's pursuit of silverware.