Stefan de Vrij admits Inter must improve ahead of a ‘crucial’ Champion League game against Crvena Zvezda.
The Nerazzurri will make their 2024-25 Champions League debut at San Siro on Tuesday, when they will meet Serbian league leaders Crvena Zvezda.
Despite a 0-0 draw against Manchester City two weeks ago, the Nerazzurri seem less solid than last season, having already conceded seven goals in six Serie A games.
“We were talking about it earlier. We are aware that we must improve,” de Vrij said at a press conference on Monday.
“It’s not only about the defenders; it concerns the whole team. We didn’t concede much last season, and it was the team’s merit. We keep an eye on what we are doing and discuss it.”
The Nerazzurri reacted to a 2-1 loss against Milan by beating Udinese 3-2 on Saturday.
De Vrij admits Inter must ‘improve’ as all Champions League games ‘crucial’
“We knew it was important to bounce back after a bad defeat. We knew how important it was,” said the Dutch defender.
“We made some good things, but we must improve in some others. We played as a team, and we secured a key victory.”
Is Inter’s start reminiscent of the 2022-23 campaign, when they didn’t win the Serie A title, but reached the Champions League Final?
“We must leave the past where it belongs. We are talking about two years ago. This is a new season,” insisted De Vrij.
“We could have had a better start, but it will be a long season. Surely, it won’t be the same. Every season is different. We must push and work even more to improve.
“We must move the ball more quickly against teams that sit deep. Tomorrow may be the game where we prove we are improving.”
Lastly, De Vrij spoke about the new Champions League format.
“It was all new for us. We’ve been told about the changes and realise that every game is crucial, even fundamental. We always focus on one game at a time and go to the pitch to win,” the experienced defender concluded.