De Vrij warns Inter about Feyenoord: ‘They beat Milan and Bayern Munich…’

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Stefan de Vrij of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter defender Stefan de Vrij feels his ex-club Feyenoord ‘bring out something extra in the Champions League’ but insists the Nerazzurri are ‘ready’ despite the many injuries.

De Vrij joined Inter coach Simone Inzaghi for a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

The defending Serie A champions will visit Feyenoord tomorrow in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

“I know the environment well; it’s beautiful, and the fans really push the team,” De Vrj, a former Feyenoord defender, said via TMW.

De Vrij warns Inter about Feyenoord: ‘They beat Milan and Bayern Munich…’

“You can see that Feyenoord have managed to bring out something extra in the Champions League, beating Bayern Munich and Milan. We will play a great match.

“I’m happy about this draw; it will be a special match for me. I grew up here, went through the entire youth academy, took the bus to train nearby, and dreamed of playing here. I made it, and those five years were wonderful.”

Inter have travelled to the Netherlands without four injured wing-backs, including Federico Dimarco, so Alessandro Bastoni could play on the left wing.

“I think, first of all, that our style of play and principles don’t change,” insisted De Vrij.

“We’ve been playing together for many years, and everyone knows what to do, even in positions they haven’t played in often. The players may change, but we are ready, and each of us knows their role.

“Our approach is always the same for every match. Then, there are different moments and games that go one way or another.

“We always try to defend well and not concede goals. In the Champions League, it’s worked out, and of course, we want to keep going.”

The Nerazzurri have a poor record against teams in the Serie A top eight this season, but they have the best defense in the Champions League, with just one goal conceded in the league phase.

“A team that changes always brings new energy to the game. We expect a very intense match. They will want to play their game, and we know what we want to do: play a great match,” continued De Vrij.

“We take it one match at a time, not looking too far ahead, and we want to go all the way in every competition. We are still competing on all fronts and want to keep going. We are only focused on tomorrow and playing a great match to help us advance.”