Chivu: ‘Inter confidence boost in Dortmund, humility is the key’

Cristian Chivu believes Inter’s 2-0 victory away to Borussia Dortmund can ‘give a real confidence boost’ in the Champions League. ‘Humility is the key to everything.’

The Nerazzurri knew they had a mountain to climb after losing three on the bounce in the Champions League, and finished in 10th place, so just outside the direct access to the Round of 16.

They did at least manage to close the league phase with an impressive 2-0 victory at the iconic Westfalenstadion, thanks to a magnificent Federico Dimarco free kick and the stoppage-time deflected Andy Diouf finish.

“We have what we deserve, so there’s no point looking back over what we didn’t do, but we should focus on what we did,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“It wasn’t easy this evening in this stadium, with the energy that the Borussia Dortmund fans give them. We played with maturity and I feel we could’ve had more determination in the first half to attack the lines, but we were a bit too superficial.

“This team is working hard, the improvement over the last two months has been exponential, and this result can give a real confidence boost to the side.”

It means Inter will play either Bodo/Glimt or Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the play-offs, after that going on to face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the Round of 16.

Mourinho had another dramatic moment this evening, as Benfica were on the verge of elimination until their goalkeeper scored a last-gasp goal to beat Real Madrid 4-2, bumping them into the play-offs on goal difference.

Of course, Chivu was part of Mourinho’s Inter squad that famously won the Champions League and Treble in 2010.

“At this moment, my only thought is on facing Davide Nicola and Cremonese on Sunday, as that is the most important game,” insisted Chivu.

“We are forced to sleep here tonight, as the journey is too long, so we’ll train here tomorrow too. We must always think of the next match, which is always the most important.”

Dimarco scored a sensational free kick this evening and was wearing the captain’s armband too, in the absence of other players.

“We are very happy with how his season has gone so far, his mentality, desire to work hard and be decisive,” continued the coach.

“He’s always had the quality, thank goodness, but he is now mature and complete, so we are enjoying this version of Dimarco to the full.”

Inter are dominant and aggressive in Serie A, but in the Champions League are a little more humble and ready to work on the counter-attack.

“The credit goes to these lads. I think humility is the key word for everything in this locker room, as 25 players do everything to be protagonists, because they know that they all have the opportunity to show themselves and contribute to this team.

“I want to single out the performances of Yann Sommer, Luis Henrique and also Andy Diouf this evening, Diouf had the patience to wait, realise how difficult it is to wear this jersey, the expectations that come with Inter, and he had the right spirit. I am glad he scored tonight.

“The whole team has reached a level of maturity where hard work and humility are decisive, no matter who we are up against. We can win or lose, but we must never lose our mentality,” concluded Chivu.