Cristian Chivu feels Inter Milan deserve to be outside the top eight in the Champions League ahead of the final round of group games.
Inter go into their last game at Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday in 14th place, knowing that not even victory in Germany might be enough to make the top eight and avoid next month’s play-off round.
“We lost matches where we deserved more, but maybe what we have is what we deserve,” Inter head coach Chivu said at his pre-match press conference.
Chivu: “We’re ready, physically and mentally” 🎙️
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“We conceded late in Madrid; against Liverpool, they got a late penalty. We also played well against Arsenal, with determination and courage against a strong opponent.
“Their third goal came at the end, when we had three forwards on the pitch and were pushing for the equaliser.
“Over the last two months, this team has grown mentally and in terms of attitude. Mistakes can happen.”
Inter lead the way in Serie A with a five-point lead over city rivals AC Milan.
But Chivu’s team have found life more difficult in Europe with three defeats in seven games.
“The objective we set ourselves was to finish in the top eight,” said Chivu.
“The match against Dortmund is important. We’re facing a team in good form that rarely loses at home and is often driven by their fans.”
Dortmund are two points and two places worse off than Inter and a win would take them above the Italians.
Niklas Sule and Marcel Sabitzer are sidelined for Dortmund through injury.
Inter are without influential midfielder Nicolo Barella due to what Chivu has described as “muscular discomfort”.
