Chivu: Arsenal among ‘the best 2 teams in Europe’ but Inter not beaten already

UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Cristian Chivu, manager of FC Internazionale, looks on ahead of kick off at the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Friuli on January 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Inter coach Cristian Chivu says Arsenal and Bayern Munich are currently the best two teams in Europe, but the Nerazzurri ‘haven’t already lost’ against the Gunners.

Inter host Arsenal at San Siro tomorrow in the Champions League Round 7.

The Nerazzurri won their opening four games in the group phase, but lost the following two against Liverpool at home and Atletico Madrid away.

Tomorrow, they face an Arsenal side that has won five games from six in Europe this season, scoring 17 goals and conceding just one.

Chivu: Arsenal have ‘consistency and identity’

“We face a strong side, one of the best in Europe, not just now, but also in recent years,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia before his pre-match press conference.

“They have spent money, they have consistency and an identity, and they have players who can cause trouble for us. They’ve dominated in the Premier League in recent years, they nearly won the title, and now they are the table leaders and are having an important season.

“We are aware of the challenge posed by the Champions League and the English clubs,” Chivu continued.

“We know there are certain moments in the game, but we are also aware of who we have become in recent years, especially in European competitions. We know how to face these types, and we’ll try to be the best version of ourselves.”

Former Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, who joined Inter last summer, has argued that Bayern Munich are currently the best team in Europe.

“As I said after the Udinese game, I believe Arsenal and Bayern Munich are the best two teams in Europe right now, which doesn’t mean we’ve lost already,” Chivu noted.

“We’ll try to play our game and do our best. We must understand the moments in the game, what the opponents offer and where they make us struggle.”

Asked what he’s learned from Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, Chivu replied: “There is always something to learn from the other coaches. A football enthusiast tries to understand the reasons why and takes what he believes is right to use in his own team. He shows that he’s strong and capable in a team that has ambition and tradition and wants to finish the year as a winner.”

Inter are the Serie A table leaders with 49 points in 21 games. They have collected four wins and one draw in their last five league fixtures.