Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu admits Bodo/Glimt’s energy and organization were too much for a “non-competitive” Inter.
Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu was candid in his assessment following his side’s 2-1 home defeat to Bodo/Glimt, admitting that the Norwegian side simply had “more energy.”
After a bruising 3-1 loss in the first leg, the Nerazzurri were hoping that the San Siro would help them spark a comeback. Instead, they were met by a perfectly organized defensive unit that effectively ended Inter’s UCL journey with a 5-2 aggregate scoreline.
The turning point of the evening was a rare and costly “howler” from Manuel Akanji, whose defensive error gifted Jens-Petter Hauge the opening goal. This strike deflated the home crowd and gave Bodo/Glimt the psychological cushion they needed to sit even deeper.
When Hakon Evjen doubled the lead shortly after the restart, the mountain became impossible to climb, leaving Alessandro Bastoni’s late goal from a corner as nothing more than a statistical consolation.
Chivu noted that Inter “tried everything” from the opening whistle but struggled to dismantle a disciplined 4-4-2 formation that often kept 11 players behind the ball. He admitted that failing to score early allowed Bodo/Glimt to settle into their low block with total comfort.
Despite dominating possession and winning numerous corners, Inter’s inability to find the final pass or shrug off their markers left them looking uncharacteristically toothless in the final third.
The absence of captain Lautaro Martinez and midfield engine Hakan Calhanoglu was glaringly obvious throughout the match. Without their star striker’s predatory instincts and Calhanoglu’s creative vision, Inter struggled to convert their dominance into genuine danger. Chivu refused to blame the players on the pitch, insisting they gave all they had, but conceded that at this elite level, failing to convert chances is an invitation for punishment.
While there is great disappointment, Chivu was quick to congratulate Bodo/Glimt for a historic run that has seen them register four consecutive wins over European heavyweights like Inter, Atletico Madrid, and Manchester City. He admitted that Inter simply wasn’t “competitive enough” in Europe this season. Despite a strong start with four straight wins, the team’s inability to maintain that level against well-organized opponents proved to be their undoing.
Despite the European exit, Inter remains in a commanding position domestically, sitting 10 points clear at the top of Serie A and preparing for a Coppa Italia semi-final against Como. Chivu urged his team to “turn the page” and focus on the trophies still within their reach.
While the Champions League dream has ended in a freeze, the prospect of a domestic double remains a very warm possibility for the Milan giants.
