Inter Milan’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan Reflects on His Experience with Renowned Managers
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has gained a wealth of experience under some of football’s legendary coaches throughout his career. The seasoned star of Inter Milan has played under illustrious figures from his time at Shakhtar Donetsk to Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Roma.
He has been coached by esteemed personalities such as Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Simone Inzaghi, Arsene Wenger, and Jose Mourinho. Naturally, Mkhitaryan’s relationships with these managers have evolved as he has progressed in his career.
A notable challenge arose during his time with Mourinho at Manchester United. Mkhitaryan acknowledged that although he grew as a player under Mourinho, their interactions were often fraught with tension.
“Mourinho contacted me and expressed his desire to bring me to Manchester following what he considered a remarkable season for me. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Mkhitaryan shared with TuttomercatoWeb.
Despite acknowledging their rocky relationship, Mkhitaryan credits Mourinho with helping him grow, pushing him to overcome obstacles. He stated, “Our clashes were hard, yet they contributed to my development as a person. Mourinho aimed to test my resilience to determine if I could withstand high-pressure moments during crucial matches.”
Mkhitaryan also recalled not receiving any acknowledgment from Mourinho after Manchester United’s Europa League victory. “He didn’t shake my hand,” he remarked, reflecting on how it affected him, leading to self-reflection on why he felt overlooked.
In contrast, Mkhitaryan enjoyed a more supportive dynamic with Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, who was always open to conversations about both football and personal issues. He expressed gratitude for Klopp’s guidance, especially during challenging times at the club.
Mkhitaryan also valued the solid rapport he developed with Tuchel, who persuaded him to stay at Dortmund after a tough season. “Initially, I wanted to leave due to dipping confidence, but Tuchel’s encouragement inspired me to stay and ultimately led to a successful campaign,” Mkhitaryan explained, emphasizing the significant role these coaches have played in his football journey.
