Inter Milan & Netherlands Defender Optimistic Despite Painful Bayer Leverkusen Defeat: “We Played As A Team”

Inter Milan veteran Stefan de Vrij hailed his team’s performance in a disheartening 1-0 UEFA Champions League loss at Bayer Leverkusen.

The Dutch veteran talked to Inter TV after the game via FCInterNews, stating the Nerazzurri played ‘as a team’ despite being on the back foot for most of the game.

It was one of Inter’s weakest performances of the season.

Given the team’s mood before the game, it was a bit surprising.

Indeed, Simone Inzaghi’s charges had been on a 13-game unbeaten streak ahead of Tuesday’s trip to the BayArena.

Furthermore, the defending Serie A champions entered round six as the only team yet to concede in this Champions League campaign.

However, Nordi Mukiele’s 90th-minute winner broke Inter’s resilience.

More importantly, the Frenchman’s strike saw Leverkusen leapfrog the Italian giants into second.

With two games left, Inter must get back on track to lock down automatic knockout qualification.

Stefan de Vrij Praises Inter Milan Team Spirit After Bayer Leverkusen Upset

“We played a good game, but there’s room for improvement,” De Vrij admitted. “We played as a team, helped each other, and defended well against a very strong side.

“It’s a shame about the goal conceded at the end.”

De Vrij concedes he and his defensive colleagues had to deal with a formidable attacking force.

“Yes, they are quality players who move a lot,” he added. “It required a lot of focus from everyone, but for the most part, we managed it.”

Inter’s European adventure resumes on January 22 when they head to the Czech Republic to take on Sparta Prague.

That’s more than enough time for Inzaghi to rally his troops.

“Yes, we’ll think about the Champions League later because now there’s the league,” De Vrij stated.

“In the Champions League, we know there are two matches left, and we’ll play to win them.”