Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries insists rumors surrounding the way forward for Simone Inzaghi had nothing to do with the Champions League debacle.
Talking to Gazzetta dello Sport by way of , the Dutch wingback admitted the Munich heartbreak was laborious to digest.
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Inter might ascend the European throne underneath regardless of reaching two Champions League finals in three years.
Nevertheless, a 1-0 defeat to Manchester Metropolis in 2023 was way more acceptable than a 5-0 rout to final month.
Although Inter completed the newly formatted league part as one of the best defensive crew, they conceded 5 within the showpiece occasion.
Nothing went their manner on the Allianz Enviornment.
But, the crew’s mindset heading into the ultimate wasn’t proper attributable to intense hypothesis over Inzaghi’s future.
Certainly, the 49-year-old was already in talks with Al-Hilal over a summer season transfer to Saudi Arabia.
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In the meantime, the previous Inter coach opted to maintain everybody in suspense, together with his gamers.
Sadly, his actions backfired on the Nerazzurri.
Denzel Dumfries Delivers Verdict on Simone Inzaghi Position in Inter Milan Champions League Fiasco
MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 31: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, seems to be dejected as he walks previous the UEFA Champions League trophy after gathering his runners up medal after defeat to Paris Saint-Germain through the UEFA Champions League Closing 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Soccer Enviornment on Might 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Picture by Carl Recine/Getty Photographs)
“It’s very laborious to just accept, however it’s a last: you both win it or lose it,” stated. “After all, we misplaced badly – 5-0.
“However PSG had been the higher crew and that Might thirty first wasn’t our day in any respect.
“We didn’t present what we’ve all the time been able to: we didn’t win the duels, we had been late the place we’re often sharp.
“You need to settle for it and transfer on. Subsequent 12 months we’ll have one other likelihood, and we’ve got every little thing it takes to strive once more.
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“Now the world is aware of Inter can attain a last – the subsequent step is to show Inter can win it.
“That’s the final step we’re lacking, the toughest one, as a result of some groups nonetheless begin a bit forward of us.
“Nevertheless it’s a step we are able to and need to take. Simply assume: originally, nobody believed we might make the ultimate, and but we did it twice.
“Now it’s time to attempt to win it.”
Then, he admitted the rumors didn’t faze Inter a lot earlier than their journey to Germany.
“No, however after all we learn them,” Dumfries added. “We heard these rumors and carried them inside us, although we by no means talked about them amongst ourselves as a result of every of us was centered solely on the ultimate.
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“I can guarantee you that in our minds, it was all about PSG and nothing else.”
Dumfries on Inzaghi Departure & Chivu Appointment
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, seems to be on through the FIFA Membership World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Purple Diamonds at Lumen Area on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Picture by Buda Mendes/Getty Photographs)
Moreover, Dumfries confirmed Inzaghi’s departure caught him off guard.
“It was very laborious for me and for all of us,” he continued. “We had been very near Inzaghi.
“I arrived at Inter with him, and every little thing I constructed on the membership was with him.
“For 4 years, we had been like a household, so his departure marked the top of a cycle that’s about extra than simply soccer.
“However that’s life, and it all the time strikes on and offers you new motivations.
“I’m very comfortable Inzaghi discovered a brand new journey, however we’re additionally transferring ahead fortunately. We now have an excellent new coach to struggle for.”
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will attempt to assist Inter recuperate after taking on from the ex-Lazio boss.
“Proper now, we’re in a transitional part,” Dumfries said. “This Membership World Cup is the start of one thing new for us, but in addition the top of one thing else.
“Nevertheless it’s already clear that Chivu is a extremely nice coach, with a really succesful employees, and naturally, some issues will change.
“It’s necessary for us gamers to obtain new power and new concepts. And I believe the brand new coach is able to bringing that.
“The primary two weeks of labor have gone very properly. And we are able to’t wait to proceed in such an excellent competitors.
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“We’re simply getting began, so these aren’t concepts that change our type of play completely.
“Nevertheless, extra changes in sure phases of the match, for instance how excessive we press.
“They’re principally variations as a result of over 4 years we developed our personal manner of enjoying underneath Inzaghi, and that introduced glorious outcomes.
“With the brand new coach, we’ll do the identical – we’ll tweak some particulars collectively and comply with new ideas.
“Perhaps we’ll play a bit increased, however there’s a really optimistic environment as a result of Chivu is admittedly good at getting his factors throughout.
“This new power, this new mindset, it begins with him.”
Again to Full Health
Inter Milan’s Dutch defender #02 Denzel Dumfries celebrates after scoring through the Italian Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and Sassuolo on the San Siro stadium in Milan on September 27, 2023. (Picture by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Picture by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)
Chivu has been with out Dumfries in Inter’s opening two FIFA Membership World Cup video games.
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Nevertheless, the Dutch star might return to motion in opposition to River Plate this midweek.
Requested how he feels, Dumfries replied: “Very properly, thanks. I’m obtainable for the River sport.
“After my final match with the Netherlands, I had some bodily points and didn’t need to take any dangers.
“On the finish of the season, you all the time have some aches and a sure fatigue.”
Furthermore, he confirmed there was no psychological fatigue this time.
“No, this time it was purely bodily. Though it’s regular to have a little bit of stress after every little thing that occurred, you all the time have to just accept it when your physique and your thoughts ship you messages.
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“However now that’s all behind me: I need to contribute to constructing a brand new Inter too.”
Lastly, he admitted a trophyless season didn’t really feel proper.
“We didn’t win a single trophy, despite the fact that we had been able to doing so – that’s a truth.
“Ending the season with zero trophies for a crew as formidable and powerful as ours could be very laborious, particularly since we got here so near our targets…
“If we focus solely on this second proper now, it’s clear we haven’t absolutely recovered mentally, however I believe that’s regular.
“We’re human beings, not simply footballers. We now have to be trustworthy: you’ll be able to’t faux nothing occurred.
“On the similar time, we’re looking for the suitable positivity collectively to place the previous behind us.
“Nobody will ever lose the pleasure of enjoying for some of the necessary golf equipment on the planet.
“Stronger than any disappointment is the motivation to start out once more.”