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.

“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.