Inter boss explains Liverpool tactical 'issues' and questions penalty winner

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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCInter head coach Cristian Chivu has reacted to his side's 1-0 home loss to Liverpool in the Champions LeagueCristian Chivu speaks to the media in his post-match press conference following Liverpool's win over his Inter team at the San Siro(Image: Francesco Scaccianoce - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)Inter boss Cristian Chivu admits his side struggled to cope with Liverpool’s intensity but questioned the penalty that sent the Italians tumbling to Champions League defeat. The Reds won for the fourth successive time at San Siro when Dominik Szoboszlai’s spot kick two minutes from time earned a 1-0 triumph in Italy on Tuesday evening.The penalty was awarded after referee Felix Zwayer adjudged Inter centre-back Alessandro Bastoni’s pull on the shirt of substitute Florian Wirtz foul play following a check on the VAR pitchside monitor.Inter’s players surrounded the official after the final whistle to vent their frustration at the decision that ensured Liverpool temporarily moved into the top eight in the Champions League table.READ MORE: 'That's his opinion' - Arne Slot responds to Mohamed Salah Liverpool apology claimsREAD MORE: Arne Slot sends message to Liverpool fans after what they chanted during Inter Milan winAnd Chivu said: “If we are talking about manners and education and what we want to convey, I think you see situations like that every time a corner or free-kick is taken.“What can I say?

I think it was a little bit too easy. I think we need to actually teach something differently.”The Reds, who are now unbeaten in four games, had the better of a hard-fought encounter and finished the stronger.“We had some issues in the early minutes because we struggled with their pressing and the way they keep the ball,” said Chivu.“We had to make two substitutions so we lost two slots.

But then we figured out how to beat their press and in the last 25 minutes of the first half we fashioned some chances.“We found the right amount of energy and positivity we maybe needed from the first whistle.“It’s never easy to come up against a physical side like Liverpool who play with so much intensity.“We thought we would kick on from the second half but then our energy levels started to fade, and we couldn’t make any more subs as we only had one slot remaining and still a long way to go."We had to managed the best we could.“Then we threw on three fresh players we thought might be able to come up with something different but then we lost the game based on one incident.”Liverpool's final two games in the league phase of the Champions League sees them travel to Marseille on January 21 before hosting Qarabag on January 28.The Reds return to Premier Leaguer on Saturday when they entertain Brighton & Hove Albion.