Cristian Chivu, Inter coach, confirmed his determination to guarantee direct qualification to the round of 16 of the Champions League before the match against Brugge, scheduled for the second day of the group stage. In his speech on Sky Sport, Chivu underlined that "home games are not enough" and that the objective is to "get the maximum" to get through the group stage without going through to the round of 16.
Brugge, a team that in recent years has consolidated a reputation for solidity and proactiveness in the Champions League, is described by Chivu as an opponent with "a strong identity" and a "determined value". The coach highlighted that the team has built a solid group and that the challenges in the Champions League "are never easy". In this context, Inter must show energy and a decisive attitude to face the match, especially after the recent match against Parma, where the tactical decisions were "different than what some might have thought".
A crucial point for Inter is the management of midfielder Gökhan Çalışkan, whose value is "no one can question him". Chivu explained that the coach will evaluate how to manage the player, taking into account the need "not to put the physical integrity of the players at risk". Inter, in fact, must play "a lot, every three days", and maintaining physical fitness is essential to maintaining competitiveness in the Champions League.
Regarding the long-term vision, Chivu reiterated that the Champions League is an ambitious goal for Inter. He stated that “we will have to pay close attention to these questions” and that the coach is ready to “dream of getting as far as possible” with the team. Inter, according to Chivu, must maintain a balance between ambition and realism, aiming to reach the group stage with the greatest possible strength.
With the match against Brugge imminent, Inter is preparing for a crucial match that could determine its fate in the Champions League. The Turin club will have to make the most of their squad, carefully manage key players and maintain the energy necessary to overcome an opponent who has proven to be a serious contender in European competitions. The next day of football will be decisive to understand if Inter will be able to consolidate their position in the group stage and continue their run towards the round of 16.