Inter Milan 1-2 Bodo/Glimt – Cristian Chivu Makes Honest Admission Of Nerazzurri Champions League Heartbreak: “There’s A Lot Of Bitterness” | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu delivered his verdict on tonight’s frustrating 2-1 home defeat to Bodo/Glimt.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old reflected on Inter’s surprising exit from the Champions League.

Despite a strong pre-match favoritism, Inter suffered their third consecutive home loss in the Champions League.

After being beaten by Arsenal and Liverpool toward the end of the league phase, the Nerazzurri lost to Bodo/Glimt.

In doing so, Kjetil Knutsen’s charges became the first Norwegian side to progress from a Champions League knockout tie since 1987.

Meanwhile, the San Siro giants will not compete in the Round of 16 for the first time since the 2020/21 season.

Though Cristian Chivu is on course to win the Scudetto in his first season at the club, he has fallen short of expectations in Europe.

Indeed, Inter had reached the Champions League final twice in Simone Inzaghi’s last three seasons in charge.

However, they couldn’t overcome the first knockout hurdle this time and will likely have to settle for domestic glory.

In addition to running away with the Serie A title, Chivu’s men will face Como in a two-legged Coppa Italia semi-final tie.

Cristian Chivu Delivers His Verdict on Inter Milan 1-2 Bodo/Glimt Loss

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“We tried every possible way against a team that was well-organized in a low block, with ten players behind the ball,” Chivu said. “We couldn’t break them down, and they found a mental comfort zone.

“I have nothing to reproach the players for – they gave everything with the energy they had, though the opponents had more, especially in the second half. We did our best, trying to open the game in the first half.

“In the second, they managed to create opportunities and scored two goals. There’s a lot of disappointment because we tried to advance, but unfortunately, they had more energy.

“Bodo is an organized team that came here to do what they had to do with determination. We must congratulate them; they deserved to progress.”

Then, Chivu assessed Inter’s overall Champions League campaign.

“Our goal is to be competitive, and we’ve always stated that,” he added. “We didn’t want to focus on things beyond our control, things too far away. Unfortunately, in the Champions League, we weren’t competitive.

“We started well, winning four games in a row, but then we dropped some points despite good performances. The Champions League has a very high level, and if you can’t be precise, opponents punish you for the first mistake.”

Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Discusses Tactical Decisions During Bodo/Glimt Upset

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu also discussed his tactical choices and in-game management.

“We tried forcing plays when we gained space, and at halftime, I asked for more patience to destabilize Bodo’s dense and organized 4-4-2. We attempted some shots.

“There were key moments in the box, but we didn’t find the right openings. We had many corners, I think 16. With more composure, we could have opened the game in the first half.

“We tried everything within our limits and strengths. It’s a pity because maybe if we had scored first, we could have put more pressure on them.”

Finally, he praised his side for making a valiant attempt to claw their way back into this tie.

“It’s hard to find energy when you play every three days. We probably could have attacked the area more effectively. But I have nothing to reproach the players for -maybe we should have scored early.

“It’s always tough to attack a team with ten men behind the ball. There’s disappointment because we wanted to progress.

“We had that goal in mind, knowing it wasn’t easy against a Bodo team with more energy and a two-goal advantage from the first leg.