Henrikh Mkhitaryan reflected on Inter’s Champions League heartbreak and suggested that the team could have one of the strongest midfields in Europe.
The Nerazzurri won the race for Sassuolo star Davide Frattesi earlier this summer and are now in the closing stages of a deal for Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic. They sold Marcelo Brozovic to Al-Nassr and lost Roberto Gagliardini on a free transfer.
Inter are hoping to get involved in the title race in the new season after disappointing domestically last campaign; their second-place finish in the Champions League could fuel the team’s fire over the coming year.
Speaking on page five of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Mkhitaryan first discussed Inter’s growth over the last few months.
“We are in a moment of transformation, we have changed a lot, while remaining ourselves. Perhaps the characteristics of the individuals are different, but not the structure and the way we play. We all work to improve together, old and new.”
He commented on the addition of striker Marcus Thuram.
“I’ve been following Marcus for a while, I watched him in Germany and I liked the way he moves. He is fast and technical, it will be up to us to serve him differently, he for example has great ball progression to exploit. We will help him improve, but he will certainly improve us too.”
The Armenian was asked about the departure of Brozovic and arrival of Frattesi.
“We have lost a very important player, but a really strong guy has arrived. I’m not saying that Frattesi will become very strong, I’m saying that he already is…”
He commented on how the midfield will change with Frattesi.
“In addition to being able to give assists and play the ball, he knows how to score, as soon as he sees a space, he throws himself in at speed and this is an important characteristic.
“If served well, he can be an extra weapon, combined with the many we already have in the team.”
Mkhitaryan also discussed the arrival of Samardzic.
“Last year, playing against us, we all saw a talent with great potential. And I have never thought that competition is a problem, the more we are, the more we can help each other. In the end, we are all fighting for the same goal, to win games and win trophies.”
He was asked if Inter have one of the best midfields in Europe now.
“So, on paper, maybe yes. But then you have to move from words to deeds. With performances we have to prove that we deserve all this consideration. The season will be long, and this abundance can help us achieve our goals.”
The Armenian midfielder touched on where the Nerazzurri go next after their Champions League final.
“Reaching the top once is less difficult than repeating the same path or stabilising at a certain level. Certainly, we are ready for the challenge because we have a really strong team, let’s see who we get in the group and then the race will begin again.
“We are there. And then there’s not only the Champions League, the Scudetto is everyone’s goal, we know how important it is for the fans, but let’s not forget the Coppa Italia and the Super Cup. We want those too, they are trophies and, if you win them, you get hungry to keep winning.”
He commented on if the European final loss could be used to fire up the team.
“No, that is a closed chapter, another story. Inevitably, we will carry it with us, but now begins a new path to build day by day.”
The 34-year-old reflected on that Champions League final and how much he thought about it over the summer.
“Well, almost every day. That is almost a match of a lifetime. Maybe it will happen again, maybe not…. For sure, it’s a great pity because we deserved to win. Everyone expected City to score three, but I think we were superior.”
He spoke about how it felt to essentially miss out on the final through injury, playing just six minutes.
“It was unlucky to get injured against Milan, I was out for three weeks, and I did everything I could to get back in Istanbul, but enough of looking back, enough of negative thoughts, let’s focus on the positive ones, let’s try to relive those emotions.”
Finally, Mkhitaryan discussed his ability to contribute to Inter at the age of 34.
“Of course, I work hard to stay in shape. I’m ready to start strong, to give everything to stay at the top. There are no secrets, in fact there is one and it’s my teammates, alone you don’t go anywhere.
“But I also do my part, with physical work, with recovery, with my head…. It’s a combination of factors. In the end, football is democratic, it gives you back everything you give it.”