De Vrij: ‘Inter should’ve done more, Fluminense had belief’ in Club World Cup 2-0 defeat

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Stefan de Vrij #6 of FC Internazionale Milano reacts to a missed attempt on goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Stefan de Vrij admits Fluminense ‘had more belief’ in the Club World Cup and Inter ‘should’ve done more,’ but have at least started work with new coach Cristian Chivu.

It was the suitable end to a desperately disappointing campaign, as their Club World Cup experience lasted only four matches, crashing out to Brazilians Fluminense in the Round of 16.

There were two defensive mix-ups that proved costly, first allowing German Cano to score in the third minute, then Hercules with a snooker shot in stoppages.

The Nerazzurri had bad luck too, as Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco both rattled the woodwork in the closing stages.

De Vrij sees Inter struggles in USA

“We certainly should’ve approached the game better, they had more belief in the opening duels, they closed the spaces well and it became more difficult after the goal,” De Vrij told Sport Mediaset.

“We did better in the second half and created a lot of chances, but the ball didn’t go in. We should’ve done more.”

The biggest opportunity of all, other than the two efforts off the frame of the goal, was De Vrij incredibly prodding wide from close range on a Lautaro Martinez knockdown.

If there is one positive to be taken from the experience, it was the chance for the squad to start work with new coach Chivu ahead of the pre-season training camp.

“It was a way of getting to know each other, with the other players and staff. We spent three weeks together and that is important. Now there is a great deal of disappointment.”

Having ended the campaign empty-handed, Inter are feeling the pressure to deliver some silverware next season.

“Of course, we must leave all this behind us and when we return for pre-season training, we will have great hunger to work hard and grow together,” concluded De Vrij.