Chivu urges Inter to stay in Champions League race before Feyenoord

Cristian Chivu insisted Inter remain in the Champions League race despite a 3‑1 league loss to Milan on Saturday, as they prepare for a Tuesday clash with Feyenoord at De Kuip in Rotterdam.

Inter are under pressure on two fronts, having suffered a 3‑1 defeat to Milan on Saturday, their first league loss of the season. The loss comes as they prepare for a Tuesday clash with Feyenoord at De Kuip in Rotterdam.

In Europe Inter have three points from three games, after a late win over Shakhtar Donetsk and defeats to Real Madrid and Club Brugge. Their Champions League campaign therefore remains precarious.

"I believe in the work, in what this team is and what it has done so far. I’m confident. They’re champions, and they’ve shown it," Chivu said. "There have been negative episodes and mistakes that we have to learn from, accept and move past, trying to fix them. But I’m confident," he added.

Champions League target and squad updates

Chivu believes 16 points will be enough for a top‑eight finish and a place in the round of 16, stating that "to get into the top eight, it’s around 16 points". He also noted that Inter have won one game and lost two in the Champions League, but remain in the competition.

Thuram backs Barella and Bastoni as Inter demand new mentality

He warned that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Feyenoord, who beat Como at home earlier in the competition, will be dangerous, adding that they have intensity, quality and players such as Moussa and Zequiel. He said the Dutch side thrives at De Kuip and that Inter must bring out all their qualities to put them in difficulty.

He delivered his comments at a pre‑match press conference, with quotes supplied by the Corriere dello Sport. He confirmed that Provedel and Pavard have returned, while Bastoni is suspended, leaving the defence to Bisseck, Akanji and Carlos Augusto, with Dimarco on the wing and the possibility of Pio Esposito partnering Thuram in attack.

Thuram reflected on the only Champions League win, saying the team must improve its attitude and maintain the intensity shown in the 10‑minute spell that secured the Shakhtar victory.

Inter battles injuries and contract uncertainty before De Kuip clash

Chivu concluded that a victory over Feyenoord would erase the scars of the Milan defeat and stressed that grit, hunger and concentration are essential in the hostile atmosphere of De Kuip.