Chivu hits back at Norwegian journalist: ‘You don’t respect’ Inter | OneFootball

Inter coach Cristian Chivu hit back at a Norwegian journalist during a pre-match press conference today: ‘We respect Bodo/Glimt, you don’t respect us.’

Inter coach Chivu was not happy with the attitude of a Norwegian reporter who asked him whether Inter should feel ashamed if they are eliminated by Bodo/Glimt from the Champions League knockout play-off.

Chivu appeared irritated as he quickly responded to the journalist, removing his headphones to hear the translation.

Chivu hits back at Norwegian reporter

“Yeah, you even laugh. Congratulations,” Chivu said.

“Nothing is shameful in football. In football, there’s work from a club and a team, on one side and the other, and we have to accept and respect the opponent, given that you don’t respect us by calling us this way, saying that we must be ashamed to lose against such a team, against a city with 50,000 citizens.

MONZA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 04: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between FC Internazionale and Torino at U-Power Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We have great respect for what Bodo has done against us, but also in Madrid and against City and Dortmund. We respect our opponents and congratulate them on the good things they’ve built in recent times.

“When you have clear ideas, you can bring something nice forward. But we are not ashamed, because we tried to be the best version of ourselves last week, when they were better than us, and we congratulated them.”

BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Jens Petter Hauge of Bodo/Glimt scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)

Chivu already said during his pre-match interview with Sky Sport Italia that his players should not feel pressured to score more than two goals tomorrow.

The Nerazzurri lost 3-1 away in Norway last week and will be looking to turn the result around on Tuesday at San Siro.

During his press conference, Chivu also spoke about Alessandro Bastoni’s state of mind following recent controversies.

“We had a bad week, but I’m proud of what the lad did on the pitch,” said the Inter coach.

CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

“It was not easy to play that game without being influenced. Now we are focused on the future and on the next match.”

Asked whether Inter players would need extra motivation for tomorrow’s match, Chivu replied: “I didn’t listen to my coaches, neither before nor after a game. I relied on my thoughts, my sense of responsibility, and my confidence. I was more worried about not letting my teammates down. Had I listened to my coaches more, I’d have earned something more. There’s no need to motivate them; they know how important this game is.”