Atletico Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan – Cristian Chivu Sends Message To His Team: “We Need To Be Dirty & Ruthless” | OneFootball

Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu has urged his side to change their attitude following last night’s defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Speaking to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old coach told his players to get their hands dirty when needed.

The Nerazzurri delivered another eye-pleasing performance on Tuesday night but slumped to yet another defeat.

Indeed, like in Sunday’s heartbreak in the Milan derby, Inter failed to convert their chances, eventually slipping to a 2-1 loss.

Despite falling behind after only nine minutes, Chivu’s men never seemed to be on the back foot.

Furthermore, Inter found an all-important equalizer through Piotr Zielinski at the beginning of the second half.

However, Atletico Madrid punished Inter’s lapse in concentration deep into second-half stoppage time.

Manuel Akanji lost a crucial aerial battle to Jose Maria Gimenez, who netted a 93rd-minute winner for Diego Simeone’s team.

After another dismal result, Cristian Chivu may try to change Inter’s approach in these high-stakes fixtures.

Cristian Chivu Urges Inter Milan to Change Attitude After Atletico Madrid Loss

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“There’s regret,” Chivu admitted. “We came here angry, ready to do much more than we ultimately achieved.

“At times we played well, reacting to the goal with quality, then we dropped back a bit, partly thanks to the opponent who pressed us.

“We responded with substitutions and launched a few counterattacks without finishing.

“Then, in the last minute, that corner came out of nowhere, and despite having our best jumpers in the area, we conceded.

“The team must know how to react, be aware of their strength, and understand the key moments.

“We need to be more ruthless and not focus too much on playing beautifully.

“We tried to do that tonight; we were prepared for the transitions.

“Our angry reaction allowed us to equalize, but we weren’t able to defend the result or push for a win.

“I start from our second-half reaction, where we showed patience and were effective in attacking the spaces behind them.

“We need to build on that. Otherwise, we give the opponent time to organize.

“We have to work more in front of goal.

“This defeat stings because it’s the second in a row, and despite good performances, we didn’t take anything.

“We need to become dirtier and tougher, and understand the flow of the game.”

Finally, Chivu tried to explain where things went wrong for Inter.

“We expected a reaction from them and tried to counter their quality with fresh energy,” he added.

“Coming off a derby where energy levels were low, we tried to give everything on the pitch.

“Naturally, substitutions are made for many reasons. But in terms of effort, I can’t reproach anyone.

“Of course, everyone could have done better, even the substitutes, by bringing the energy that was missing.