Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Monday, February 23, 2026, 4:45 p.m. / Updated Monday, February 23, 2026, 5:02 p.m.
Cristian Chivu (45 years old), the coach of Inter, held the press conference before the match against Bodo/Glimt. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, from 22:00, in Milan, and the Italians hope to come back after losing 1-3 in the first leg.
The Romanian technician believes in his team's chance to return. He believes that the value of his players, but also the mentality that has been generated in recent months, can be decisive in order to qualify for the “optimum” of the competition.
Cristian Chivu: “The first leg showed us that it won't be easy”
“The first leg showed us what we already knew, that it won't be easy. We had to adapt as best we could, but only intermittently. I knew they were strong. We have a duty to give everything. We must be confident, aware that it will not be easy.
We must not lose confidence and self-esteem, the match could even lead to extra time and penalties. We must not be obsessed with scoring early. We have to manage each moment as best we can.
We have a lot of respect for Bodo and they showed that against City, Borussia and Atletico. They showed that they have a healthy project. We tried to be the best version of ourselves in the first leg when they were better than us and we congratulated them. The advantage gained in the tour leg has nothing to do with the return, we only have to think about our chance and nothing else.
The boys are confident and have been showing it for months. They have a great work ethic and always demonstrate it. A lost match or battle has nothing to do with it. What matters is that you always give it your all. The match lasts 90 minutes, conceding a goal means nothing. Football is unpredictable and we know we have to give it our all. Also, we have to discover the individual value of the players”, said Cristian Chivu, according to tuttomercatoweb.com.
Cristian Chivu, at the tour match // PHOTO: Imago Images
The Romanian technician also spoke about the absence of Lautaro Martinez, the captain and leader of the Milan team. He got injured right in the match in Norway.
“We have many leaders and they all feel responsible, they have since the beginning of the season. I know their input is crucial. We have desire, hunger and also humility. We hope to continue like this”, Chivu added, according to the aforementioned source.
Lautaro Martinez, the captain of Inter, will miss the return with Bodo/Glimt / Photo: Imago
At one point, a Norwegian journalist asked Chivu: “Would it be a shame to eliminate a small team like Bodo?”
“Oh, you say that and laugh? Well done! There is nothing shameful in football. You have to respect any opponent. You don't show them due respect when you say that. We, on the other hand, respect Bodo people. We congratulate them, they showed what they can do against big teams. They have a healthy project! We are not ashamed, we even congratulate them for the round match”, replied Chivu.
