Dortmund manager praises Inter Milan's progress with Chivu at the helm

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has stated that Inter Milan, the 2023 and 2025 finalists, against whom his side will compete in the Champions League on Wednesday, have become a stronger outfit since Cristian Chivu became their coach.

Kovac noted that Chivu's Inter, currently leading Serie A by five points, have preserved the finest aspects of classic Italian football while introducing a contemporary edge.

Inter put on a strong showing during their journey to the final last season under Simone Inzaghi, yet they were overwhelmed by Paris Saint-Germain, suffering a 5-0 defeat in Munich.

In the past, they tended to control the game through possession, but they have now evolved by incorporating a rapid counter attacking style. We must remain vigilant about this, Kovac remarked.

Typically, Italian teams are known for precise passing and technical skill, though somewhat deliberate in pace, however, this current Inter side is notably energetic and up to date.

Dortmund sit on 11 points in the Champions League, trailing the Serie A frontrunners by just one point, ahead of their concluding league phase fixture.

A win could see both teams advance straight to the last 16, bypassing the playoffs, though Dortmund would require favourable outcomes elsewhere.

Dortmund were runners up in the Champions League two seasons back, and Inter reached the final in 2023, where they fell to Manchester City.

It is evident that the players have gelled over several years, with each understanding their colleagues roles perfectly, Kovac observed.

Dortmund will be without Niklas Suele and Marcel Sabitzer due to injury, and Chelsea loanee Aaron Anselmino has been summoned back by his parent club on Monday.

Chivu verified that midfielder Nicolo Barella will sit out the game owing to a muscle issue, but confirmed that forward Lautaro Martinez is expected to feature.

Nicolò picked up a muscle strain, so we chose not to include him. He will have assessments, but we are optimistic it is merely tiredness. Lautaro is reluctant to sit out, and we prefer not to be without our key players, Chivu explained to the press.

Inter kicked off their Champions League effort with four consecutive victories, but they have dropped their last three encounters to powerhouses Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

We are up against a robust team that seldom tastes defeat on their home turf, Chivu commented. Dortmund have only suffered one loss in their previous 21 Champions League home matches.

Since my arrival, the squad has been striving to elevate their performance levels, Chivu continued.

They are performing solidly overall; yes, there have been fluctuations, but our responses have consistently been impressive.