Inter boss Cristian Chivu sparks heated exchange with Norwegian journalist ahead of Bodo/Glimt match | OneFootball

Inter manager Cristian Chivu brushes aside tensions with a Norwegian journalist in his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s Champions League playoff clash against Bodo/Glimt. 

Speaking to the media (via La Gazzetta dello Sport), Chivu clashed with a Norwegian journalist in the conference room when he asked the Inter boss how “shameful” it would be for them to exit the Champions League against a side with much less support and financial backing. The Nerazzurri boss exploded after the question as he said: “Oh, you say that and laugh? Congratulations… There’s nothing shameful in football. We must respect our opponents, since you don’t respect us by saying it would be a disgrace for us… We, on the other hand, respect and congratulate Bodo, who won in Madrid where we failed.”

This incident raised tensions before the match, in which Inter are handed the task to overturn a two-goal deficit after losing 3-1 in the first leg in Norway. Otherwise, Chivu remained confident of snatching a win as he claimed his side stands ready in all aspects to win the match on penalties if needed. 

The Nerazzurri responded to the Champions League loss with a 2-0 victory over Lecce in the Serie A that extended their lead at the top by ten points. 

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN