Chivu Demands Focus as Inter Milan Face Club Brugge

Inter Milan entered their Champions League meeting with Club Brugge seeking a stronger performance after an opening defeat to Real Madrid, while coach Cristian Chivu stressed the importance of discipline and confidence. Speaking before the match at San Siro, Chivu called for his players to enjoy the occasion without losing concentration against the Belgian champions.

Inter lost 2-1 away to Real Madrid after individual mistakes proved costly, according to the report published by Livescore on October 13, 2026. The Italian side aimed to respond after beating Parma 3-0 in Serie A on Saturday, with several changes expected in the lineup.

Chivu emphasized that Champions League opponents can punish even minor lapses in execution. He said Inter needed to manage different phases of the match while maintaining organization throughout the contest.

"In the Champions League you always need to add something extra, because you are up against quality opponents who are relaxed and make the most of your slightest error," Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

The coach also highlighted the need for disciplined decision-making and consistent execution against Club Brugge, whose players would be looking to capitalize on mistakes.

"We require the utmost concentration and focus, understanding the various moments of the match, being clean and organised in everything we do," Chivu said.

Inter made several personnel adjustments after the victory over Parma. Alessandro Bastoni, Manuel Akanji and Lautaro Martinez returned after being rested following international duty, while Hakan Calhanoglu and Federico Dimarco had recovered from injuries and were set to start for a second consecutive game.

Chivu said the squad's depth gave him options but did not guarantee success. He pointed to the importance of selecting players according to the demands of each match rather than relying on rotation alone.

"Squad rotation alone is not enough, we have no guarantees, but having energy and an ambitious group is helpful, because it allows me to choose based on the type of match we’re going into," Chivu said.

Aleksandar Stankovic, who played for Club Brugge last season, remained outside Inter's available selection, according to Livescore.

Chivu said he wanted his players to combine enjoyment with ambition and a strong collective attitude over the course of the season.

"The players need to enjoy themselves, try to be decisive, have the right attitude and do everything to maintain the level we want for the whole season," Chivu said.

Meanwhile, Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi has emerged as a player attracting attention from major European clubs, according to FootballTransfers in a report published October 12, 2026. The 22-year-old Germany youth international has drawn interest from Arsenal and Barcelona after establishing himself in Belgium following his move from Hannover 96 for €7.5 million last year.

Tresoldi has scored 29 goals since joining Club Brugge, including 23 last season, when he developed a productive partnership with Christos Tzolis. Tzolis subsequently secured a move to Arsenal, while Tresoldi remained in Belgium despite reported interest from the London club.

The forward began the new season with six goals in 10 appearances. FootballTransfers reported that Barcelona continued monitoring his performances and could consider him a future target, depending partly on their pursuit of higher-profile forwards Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland.

Tresoldi's international future also remains unsettled. Germany, Italy and Argentina are reportedly interested in securing his commitment at senior level, while he has been linked with a possible appearance for Germany at next year's U21 European Championship.

Club Brugge teammate Yann Sommer praised Tresoldi's potential and professionalism in comments to Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Tresoldi can become a top European striker, 100%. He's humble, professional and has the qualities to play for a big club," Sommer said.