Liverpool will face Inter Milan in the Champions League without Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward, who has been benched for three consecutive matches, is not part of the 19-man squad travelling to Italy. Despite Liverpool's recent struggles, Inter boss Cristian Chivu believes they remain a formidable opponent. "We all know what he [Salah] represents for Liverpool and for the world of football," Chivu stated.
Inter Milan enters the match with confidence after securing three consecutive victories across all competitions. Their last defeat was against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Since losing their first two home games in the 2022 Champions League, including a 0-2 loss to Liverpool, Inter has remained unbeaten in their last 18 home matches
(W15 D3), marking the longest current streak in UEFA's top tournament.
The Italian side has faced Liverpool six times previously in European competitions, with Liverpool winning four of those encounters. Chivu acknowledged Liverpool's intense playing style, saying, "They [Liverpool] are a team who make 'intensity' their motto. " He credited both Klopp and Slot for maintaining this identity, noting that Slot even led them to a Premier League title.
Chivu emphasised that while Inter aims to emulate Liverpool's style, they recognise the cultural differences between English and Italian football. He remarked on how these differences shape each team's approach to the game. "Not better or worse, just different," he added, highlighting how these variations influence their strategies.
Despite Liverpool's underwhelming start to the season, Chivu remains cautious about their potential threat. He stressed that his focus is on Liverpool as a team rather than individual players like Salah. "It's not my concern," he said regarding Salah's absence. Chivu believes Liverpool possesses enough quality players to maintain high performance levels.
When asked if Inter is ready to face such an intense team like Liverpool, Chivu responded cautiously: "We'll see. " He acknowledged that while strategies may seem straightforward on paper or screens, executing them on the field requires turning words into action.
The Reds have named a 19-man squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Internazionale: December 8, 2025
- Liverpool FC (@LFC)
Chivu also noted that despite some difficulties this season, Liverpool remains built for high-stakes games like this one. He praised their collective and individual qualities on the pitch and expressed admiration for their history and culture linked to English football.
The upcoming match promises excitement as both teams bring unique strengths to the table. While Inter enjoys an impressive home record, Liverpool's intensity and experience make them formidable opponents even without Salah.
