Dumfries opens up about Inzaghi’s Inter exit, Chivu and ‘rivalry’ with Theo | OneFootball

Inter star Denzel Dumfries insists the Nerazzurri didn’t think about Simone Inzaghi’s possible exit before the 2025 Champions League Final, but Cristian Chivu is an ‘excellent’ coach: ‘We are in a transition period.’

Netherlands international Dumfries spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport on Tuesday, only a few days after a 2-1 win over Urawa Reds in the Club World Cup.

Inter made their debut in the competition just a few days after a shocking 5-0 loss against PSG in the Champions League Final on May 31.

Dumfries has now recovered from an injury which forced him to the sidelines in the first two Club World Cup matches.

“I had some physical issues after the Netherlands games, and I didn’t want to take any risks. You always feel inevitable fatigue at the end of the season,” said Dumfries.

“We are in a transition period. The Club World Cup is the beginning of something new, but also the end of something else.”

Chivu has replaced Inzaghi after four seasons.

“Chivu is a truly excellent coach, with a capable staff. Obviously, some things will change,” Dumfries admitted.

“We players need to receive energy and new ideas. I think the new coach can provide that. The first two weeks of work have gone really well.

“It’s just the beginning. It’s not about radically changing the way we play, but rather making adjustments in certain phases of the match, such as how we press. We’re looking forward to continuing in such a great competition.”

Dumfries opens up about new Inter coach Chivu

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano reacts after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

What’s good about their new coach?

“We developed a certain playing style under Inzaghi, achieving excellent results. We’ll do the same with the new coach, following new concepts,” Dumfries replied.

“We may press a bit higher, but the atmosphere is very positive as Chivu is very good at explaining things. The new energy and the new mindset come from this.”

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez said he hadn’t spoken for five days after the Champions League Final, but Dumfries had a different reaction.

“I immediately started talking about it. I chatted all night with some friends of mine who were there,” he said.

“I needed to let it all out and get something off my chest, but I respect those who deal with disappointment differently.

“It’s hard to accept, but it’s a final. You either win or lose. We lost badly, but PSG were the better team. May 31 wasn’t our day. We didn’t show what we were normally capable of. We didn’t win duels, and we were late in situations where we were usually sharp. Next year, we have another chance and we’ll try again.

“Now the world knows Inter can reach the finals, and the next step is to prove we can win. That’s the step we are missing, the hardest one.”

Dumfries reacts to Inzaghi and Theo departures

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale scores his team’s second goal whilst under pressure from Pedri and Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Multiple reports suggested Inzaghi would leave Inter after the Final. Did the rumours impact the team’s morale and affect the preparation for the most critical game of the season?

“No, but of course we read some things,” Dumfries revealed.

“We heard the rumours, but we were only focused on the Final. I can assure you that PSG was the only thing on our minds, nothing else.

“It was very hard for me and everyone. We were close to Inzaghi. We joined Inter at the same time, and everything I’ve built here has been with him. We were like a family for four years. That’s why his departure feels like the end of a cycle, not just in football, but in life. That’s what life is about: move on and accept new challenges. I’m glad Inzaghi has found a new adventure, and we are also moving forward with joy. We now have a great coach to fight for.”

Inzaghi may reunite with Milan star Theo Hernandez at Al-Hilal as the Frenchman is on the verge of reaching an agreement with the Saudi Pro League side.

The rivalry between Theo and Dumfries was one of the most spectacular ones in Serie A in recent years.

“There were great battles, and I hope there will be more, perhaps even with the national team,” said the Inter star.

“It’s a fun and exciting rivalry. We enjoyed it, like the fans. It’s part of the game. However, we’ll only have a drink together, if he wants, once we’ve both retired.”