Chivu takes responsibility for Inter defeat and raises concern over Lautaro

Cristian Chivu, Inter Milan’s coach, took responsibility for the 4-3 home defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League. He also announced that Lautaro Martínez would be unavailable until the end of the international break in November. Inter have also conceded eight goals in six Serie A matches and six more in two Champions League games, raising questions about their defensive solidity.

In explaining the defeat, Chivu highlighted the contrast between the different phases of the match. “We take responsibility. Something did not work well in the final 30 minutes against Club Brugge, but we must not lose sight of what we did well during the first hour, until we were trailing 2-1.” He also felt his side had created chances and started the second half with the right attitude before losing control after the second goal. In his view, the match needs to be analysed as two separate games, and the team must find fresh energy quickly.

Chivu was direct when asked about his own responsibility: “It has to start with me. I am the first person responsible.” He believed Inter could have won, while acknowledging that Club Brugge were well organised. In his assessment, the team lost confidence, became disjointed and let emotion take over instead of keeping its shape. He called for the group to pull together and not turn a painful defeat into a drama, despite the high expectations.

Inter were due to return to Serie A on Saturday with an away match against Bologna, while the European defeat remained a major topic of discussion. Chivu noted that this competition is different from the Champions League and that the team had two days to recover before a group training session. On Lautaro, he said a problem had been discovered after the match and that the forward would not be available. “I am not a doctor. I was told that this was the recovery period. We are talking about his return after the break.” He also urged his players to take responsibility and show leadership, with or without Lautaro.

In Serie A, Inter are top with 16 points, ahead of second-placed Lazio on goal difference. The immediate task is to respond to the European defeat without losing sight of the league campaign.