Netherlands Star Admits Inter Milan ‘Needed To Start Better’ In Flat FIFA Club World Cup Crashout Vs Fluminense | OneFootball

Stefan de Vrij admits that Inter Milan “needed to start better” in their 0-2 FIFA Club World Cup loss against Fluminense.

The Dutchman spoke to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset after the match, via FCInterNews.

Inter Milan’s season has now come to an end. They lost 0-2 against Brazilian side Fluminense in the round of sixteen of the Club World Cup.

This means that the Nerazzurri will not end the campaign with any silverware.

Inter Milan had their ups and downs in the group stage of the Club World Cup.

However, the knockouts simply proved to be a bridge too far for Cristian Chivu’s team.

Fluminense went ahead within a couple minutes. Inter looked shellshocked, whether it was the result of the long season, the heat, or simply being overrun by an organized and determined Fluminense team.

Inter Milan huffed and puffed for the rest of the ninety minutes. They did carve out some good chances, even hitting the post twice.

But in the end the second goal of the match came from the Brazilian team, in stoppage time to seal the upset victory.

Stefan De Vrij Admits “Inter Needed To Start Better” Vs Fluminense

CAGLIARI, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Stefan De Vrij of Inter warms up before the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on December 28, 2024 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij spoke after today’s match. “We should have started it off better,” he admitted.

“They were more confident in duels at the start.”

“They closed down the spaces well,” the Dutchman noted.

“It was difficult for us without raising the tempo.”

De Vrij then noted that “in the second half we did better, and created some chances.”

“But the ball didn’t go in.”

“We should have done more,” the 33-year-old former Lazio and Feyenoord defender admitted.

“It was a way to get to know each other with the players and the coaching staff there,” he added. “We were together for three weeks.”

De Vrij admitted that “for now there’s a lot of disappointment.”

“But we have to put this loss behind us. And when we return, we’ll have to want to do better, learn and grow together.”