Kievo: This performance gives me confidence for the future, and I am happy about it

Christian Kivu, the head coach of Inter Milan, stated that he feels proud of his team's performance despite the loss to Real Madrid by a score of 2-1 in the first round of the Champions League, noting that his team played courageously and imposed their style for long periods of the match.

The coach said: "I am not angry at all, I feel happy because of the courage and character my team showed. When mistakes are made, and that is part of the sport, the most important thing is how to deal with them and respond, moving forward through body language and mentality until the end."

He added: "I think we played a good match tonight, and we tried to be the dominant side and maintain the initiative. This makes me happy and optimistic about the future of this team. Mistakes happen, and we knew we would give them some spaces in transitions because of the quality they have in attack, but we stayed in the game until the end and showed strong character."

He continued: "I am proud that we showed courage and did not come here to play for a point, but went to face a team like Real Madrid and try to impose our style on them."

Regarding goalkeeper Josip Martinez, who made an error on Real Madrid's second goal before shining with important saves, he said: "Why should you name him? I said the most important thing is how you react after mistakes. Pipo reacted like a high-level goalkeeper because he kept his focus and made some fantastic saves. It's not just about goalkeepers, but any player on the pitch. It's important to stay calm, keep your head up, and regain your confidence, and that's what matters to me."

Speaking about the special encounter with José Mourinho, who previously managed Kievo when he was a player at Inter, he said: "I love Mourinho very much because of what we achieved together, and because he stood by me and my family during a difficult time in my life, and the trust he gave me. He is a great man, and I was very happy to embrace him, and I wish him all the best in his new adventure."

He continued: "Carlos Augusto was extremely fatigued and could barely stand, but I am happy with what the wing players delivered. Carlos Augusto attacked the flank and caused some problems for Dumfries, while Andy Diouf showed strong character when facing Cucurella repeatedly, who is one of the best full-backs in the world. Diouf also displayed good defensive focus against important opponents. That is why I focus on the positives, as this performance gives me confidence for the future."