Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool – Cristian Chivu Still Believes In Champions League Top 8 Finish: “We’re Still There; Others Have Also Dropped Points” | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu insists Inter Milan are still in contention for a top-eight finish despite losing to Liverpool.

During the post-match conference via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old also delivered his verdict on a controversial penalty.

Inter Milan seemed on the verge of reaching automatic qualification for the Champions League Round of 16.

However, back-to-back defeats to Atletico Madrid and Liverpool have thrown a spanner in the works.

The Nerazzurri slumped to a heartbreaking 1-0 home loss to the Reds last night, courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai’s late penalty.

It’s worth noting that German referee Felix Zwayer gave Arne Slot’s side a decisive nudge in the 88th minute.

Indeed, he awarded a phantom penalty to the Anfield giants following a bizarre VAR intervention.

As a result, Inter could finish round six outside the top eight.

Yet, Cristian Chivu refuses to admit defeat in an intense race for automatic last-16 qualification.

Instead, he reminded his players that other teams have also dropped points halfway through the league phase.

Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Unfazed by Controversial Liverpool Loss

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We have to do better, but we’re still up there,” Chivu said. “If we’re only a few points off first place, it means the others have dropped something, too.

“I don’t know where the truth lies. We have 12 points, which aren’t enough, but there’s a long way to go until January.

“Until then, we’ll also have the Supercoppa and the league. We’re doing our best, and when you lose, it’s never easy.

“But things aren’t dramatic; we train to improve these aspects too.”

Then, he assessed Inter’s performance.

“We struggled early on against their ball circulation, and we even changed two players,” Chivu added.

“Then we found the key to play out and created something in the final minutes, finding the positivity we needed at the start.

“It’s not easy to face physical teams like Liverpool. In the second half, we wanted to continue in the same way.

“However, we lacked energy and had only one substitution window left, so we put on fresh players at the end.

“Then, because of the incident, we lost.”

Commenting on Zwayer’s dubious penalty call, Chivu said: “If we’re talking about sportsmanship, these situations happen on every corner and free-kick.

“For me, it’s too easy; you have to convey something different.”

Cristian Chivu Provides Fitness Update on Injured Inter Milan Players

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Inter lost Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi to injuries already in the first half.

Therefore, they’ve joined long-term absentee Denzel Dumfries on the sidelines.

As such, Chivu offered an update on several injured Inter stars.

“Dumfries’ ankle still hurts,” he stated. “I don’t know when he’ll return. I thought it wouldn’t take this long, but he tried to put weight on it and still feels pain.

“I hope to have him back as soon as possible because we need everyone.

“Calhanoglu felt pain in his adductor, and Acerbi didn’t feel good with his flexor.

“These things happen when you don’t have time to rest.

“You have to accept it and find solutions with the players available. We have to use all 22 players.”