Denzel Dumfries has said that new Inter boss Cristian Chivu is a ‘truly excellent coach’ and admitted that the Nerazzurri are in a transitional period.
Dumfries is expected to feature in the final group stage game of the Club World Cup against River Plate on Wednesday. The Dutch star missed the fixtures against Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds due to injury.
The Serie A runners-up know that a win will guarantee top spot and a place in the last 16. Chivu’s men could face either Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense or Mamelodi Sundowns.
Denzel Dumfries On Cristian Chivu
“Chivu is a truly excellent coach, with a capable staff. Obviously, some things will change,” Dumfries told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“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.
“We developed a certain playing style under Inzaghi, achieving excellent results. We’ll do the same with the new coach, following new concepts.
“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.”
What Injury Did Denzel Dumfries Have?
Denzel Dumfries explained that he didn’t want to take any risks in the opening two Club World Cup fixtures. The full-back said he felt some complications whilst on international duty.
“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.”
After a well earned rest, Dumfries will be chomping at the bit to show new head coach Cristian Chivu what he is made of. In fact, three Inter stars are in line to make their Club World Cup debut against River Plate.
The Dutchman will be aiming to start alongside Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi. The latter was also rested due to fatigue after a grueling 2024-25 campaign.
What Do Inter Milan Need To Qualify?
As it stands, Inter currently occupies 2nd spot in the Group E rankings on four points. They are only behind River Plate on goal difference. Therefore, a victory on Wednesday will guarantee the Champions League runners-up 1st.
A draw against the Argentine’s could also suffice. Earning a single point assuming Monterrey don’t thrash Urawa Red Diamonds will be enough for Cristian Chivu’s charges.
If the Mexicans fail to beat Urawa, it won’t matter what the outcome is between the Nerazzurri and Los Millonarios. Both sides will progress to the last 16.
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