Reactions to the 0-2 defeat against Inter Milan: "We didn’t attack enough" | OneFootball

Ultimately, even a victory would not have been enough for direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16, but nevertheless—and despite several absences, which could at least serve as an explanation for a lackluster performance—the disappointment at Borussia Dortmund was palpable after the 2-0 defeat in the final group stage match against Inter Milan.

“My feeling was that we had a bit too much respect today. It’s Inter Milan, but we also have our qualities. But we didn’t finish certain situations because we made the wrong decisions. Still, you have to at least play this game to a 0-0,” coach Niko Kovac lamented on DAZN about losing late and also addressed the missed opportunity to take the lead: “After ten minutes, we had a chance through Serhou. If he keeps his composure there, if the ball goes in, maybe the game turns out differently.”

As for now having to go into the play-offs and facing either Atalanta Bergamo or, in a Bundesliga duel, Bayer Leverkusen, Kovac remains rather pragmatic: “Now we’re in the play-offs, just like last year. We have to play the second game away. But okay: If you want to reach the round of 16, you have to win anywhere and against anyone.”

Can sees deserved Inter victory

Meanwhile, Nico Schlotterbeck was not really satisfied with his own performance and combined self-criticism with praise for a mature opponent: “We didn’t play enough going forward and had too few clear chances. Inter didn’t have much either. They had the free kick and then played it out like an Italian team does, they saw the game out with composure.”

Captain Emre Can echoed similar sentiments and ultimately found the final result to be fair: “It’s always tough when you concede a late 1-0. It wasn’t our best game today. Still, we didn’t allow much, but in the end Inter looked the more mature side and deserved to win.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.