Chivu admits Inter felt the pressure after Shakhtar win

Cristian Chivu acknowledged that Inter felt the pressure in their Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk. After his team’s hard-fought win, the coach explained his tactical decisions and said the players had shown a willingness to suffer—something he felt had been lacking in earlier matches.

The victory came after a difficult start to the competition: Inter had lost their first two matches in the current edition and had been beaten in seven of their previous eight games in the competition. Their performance was not convincing, however. The team appeared to play better after being reduced to ten men, but created few scoring chances and did not dominate possession.

The match turned after Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. Despite being down to ten, Inter snatched the win through Carlos Augusto. Henrikh Mkhitaryan sent him through, and he chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to score.

Chivu linked his team’s nerves to its recent results in the competition. “I think our results in the Champions League over the past year and a half have left their mark, and that was visible in the first half,” he told Sky Sport Italia. He also said Inter had become concerned about maintaining its shape against a side able to move the ball well. After making three substitutions, the team found more energy and movement, and a better running rhythm, he said.

The coach also emphasised how his players responded to the dismissal: they closed ranks and put in an extra effort. “It is not always the most beautiful football that gets you results; sometimes you need heart and character,” he said. Chivu argued that in this competition players must run and think quickly, while having the confidence to do certain things. “We were ready to suffer tonight,” he added, describing that attitude as something the team had previously lacked.

Several selection decisions reflected the circumstances. Lautaro Martínez, Benjamin Pavard, Curtis Jones and John Stones were absent through injury, while Djed Spence made his first start for the team. Chivu said Inter had only three centre-backs available at the time and could call on Carlos Augusto if needed. He explained that the plan was to move the ball around to break down a back four, with Manuel Akanji providing more positional play and Carlos Augusto adding movement.

Spence’s pace was also a factor in the choice, with Chivu citing Shakhtar Donetsk’s counterattacking ability and runs into the space behind the defence. The coach added that the team had to manage injuries and protect Bisseck, who was playing his third match in a few days, while seeking balance until the other players regained their fitness.