Inter Milan veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan has praised head coach Cristian Chivu for his impact at Stadio San Siro.
During his recent interview via FCInter1908, the 37-year-old hailed Chivu’s early tenure at the club.
Cristian Chivu replaced Inzaghi in the dugout last summer after the latter decided to embrace the riches of Saudi Arabia.
Indeed, the 49-year-old joined Al-Hilal at the end of last season, with Inter turning to Chivu to fill the void.
Despite his limited experience in senior management, the 45-year-old has been impressive in his first season at San Siro.
Furthermore, he is one step away from winning the Serie A title, with Inter already ten points clear of second-placed AC Milan.
Meanwhile, Henrikh Mkhitaryan has maintained his first-team status under new management, though this could be his last season at Inter.
His contract runs out in June, with the Nerazzurri still undecided on whether to offer an extension or let the Armenian playmaker leave on a free transfer.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan Hails Cristian Chivu Impact at San Siro
At the beginning, Mkhitaryan addressed Inter’s disappointing Champions League elimination at the hands of Bodo/Glimt.
“We were very frustrated, but after a few hours we went back to training the next day, thinking that we had another goal to achieve,” he said. “That gives you strength- to have another objective ahead. You can never stop.
“When I was 26, I met Tuchel in Dortmund. At that time, I was a bit tense because of the previous season. I had a bad season. He advised me to read a book called ‘My Life Always at the Center.’
“In the most important moments, when you’re tense, you can’t perform at your best; at key moments, if you’re more relaxed, you can succeed. From that point, I changed my mentality.
“I’m more relaxed in things now, even when I face important matches. It works much better this way. Of course, the pressure will always be there, but once you step onto the pitch, it has to fade.
“Obviously, you can’t always have very experienced coaches. We have Chivu, and he gave us something that Inzaghi couldn’t. As you can see, we’re first in the league. It’s not over yet, but you can see the great work that’s been done. I’m still thinking about playing.”
Inter Milan Star Mkhitaryan Reveals His Plans
“I haven’t thought about retiring. I’m 37 now, so you have to manage your body better- you’re not 20 or 22 anymore – but I’m trying to give my maximum to play as long as possible and have no regrets afterward.
“Last year, in two weeks, we could have won three trophies, but we missed all the opportunities. Naturally, we wanted to win at least one. That’s football; no one expected it.
“We didn’t succeed, but after that disappointment, we found great strength to get up the next day and go to work. This year, we started differently, understanding the new opportunity and doing everything to win something.
“We’re doing well – 12 matches to go, the league isn’t over: we want to do everything to win it. We hope we can. In football, anything is possible; you have to be ready to lower your head and push forward.
Asked what he will do in the future, Mkhitaryan replied: “I’m trying to take it day by day, to enjoy what I’m doing, to go to training with pleasure, to play matches with pleasure. I want to make the most of everything.
“After football, I haven’t decided what I’ll do yet. Maybe for a year I’ll try doing nothing and relaxing, then I’ll think about what comes next – it also depends on the offers I receive.
“As a coach, I don’t see myself there for now. You have to spend so much time at the training ground, prepare sessions, make players happy, both those who play and those who don’t. For now, I don’t see myself as a coach, but never say never.”
“The transfer in general was very difficult. You don’t know what to expect when changing clubs, cities, or cultures. You, as a Milan fan, might understand: I could have gone from Arsenal to Milan – it’s even written in the book.
“They had thought of signing a player from Shakhtar but didn’t succeed, then they came back to me, but I was already ready to move to Roma. The further you go, the more challenges you face, including with your family, and it’s not easy.
“You have to be able to adapt as quickly as possible.”
What a clown!!! what Chivu gave him? no goals and no assists.
And the award for plastic goes to…you. Miki is about inteligence and workrate. Not about goals and assists. Are you sure you’ve watched him play. Or you bought the shirt in black and white and just troll here? Serious question
he literally scored the 6th goal against Pisa….
of course u gonna like him! he loves to let your old bum ass play all the time along with the rest of the bums Barrella Acherbi and out of shape Thuram while putting young talented players like Boni, Diof and Susic and Bissic on the bench on champions league matches! Inzhagi made a bunch of average players beat teams like Barcelona and bayern
Hard disagree. Chivu isn’t babysitting “bums” — he’s trusting experience and systems when the stakes are highest. Serie A isn’t a talent showcase; it is about reliability, tactical discipline, and players who won’t implode under pressure.
Chivu didn’t reach Serie A leading postion by accident. Young talents like Boni, Diof, Sušić, or Bisseck will get their time, but throwing them into do-or-die just to look bold is how coaches get sacked, not praised.
I dont like this comparison. Even with same squad, but with different ages, so not comparable. Inzaghi did really well here and I dont consider his leaving as traitor. For Chivu, great courage to take this risky job, facing pressure from management and fans, first year, etc. So much respect for both of the managers.
I like this take. Although, the circumstances of Inzaghi taking a job before the CL final didn’t feel great. That’s modern football, though
True. We gotta show respect to simone. Gave us such great memories.
I don’t care what anyone says give me Icardi above all those jokey inter strikers … and if Inzagi had better back up strikers things would have been different … thirdly not getting lookman was criminal … not having a proper creative midfielder/midfiders someone who can keep the ball under pressure ( xavi. Iniesta type ) was diabolical
If they don’t adjust next season they will not even make fourth place .
I’ll pick adriano and crespo. While we’re at it 🙂
Should we drop 100 for kenny from rube. That will shake the whole league and there will be fire everywhere. And i mean the “made in munich” kid. Not weston that was on the way out but got saved by the bell.
Sybau, You got kicked in the head as a child.
You people didn’t even expect Inter to be top of the table or for Chivu to still be on the bench in February. Now he’s gone beyond your expectations and suddenly the standards changed
Some people only complain and hope for failure to affirm their constant negativity. They are not real fans and we should shame them when they try to celebrate after Inter succeeds.
for now chivu only got us an early cl exit… should be kicked from the door IMO.
The penalties vs atletico…was that early? Ppl tend to forget when they wanna feel right. Is there anyone on this site actually supporting Inter in their current state or you all dream of mbappes and ronaldos?
Yes, some of us aren’t sitting around hoping things go poorly so we can feel smart! Forza Inter
It doesn’t matter the bottom line is we lost against Bodo twice and it’s a gift to ve tactical awareness when playing ucl Chivu doesn’t got one since he is amateur let’s give him the benefit of a doubt and support our team and win the league and hope for the double but next year it’s must to play the knockout stage for our sustainablity and growth
Inzaghi did the same in his first season. inter get kick by Liverpool in round 16. I know chivu defeat is worse, but keep in mind, this is his first season at ucl while Inzaghi already taste that before with Lazio.
Yup, He’s resigning. Prepare yourselves for that announcement.
What a stupid thing to say. Go watch rube