Henrikh Mkhitaryan insists Inter‘s target is to win the ‘second star’ this season and feels Juventus‘ strategy is to ‘put pressure’ on the Nerazzurri and their city rivals Milan.
The Armenian midfielder has played a key role under Simone Inzaghi with two goals and five assists in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.
Inter are two points clear of Juventus at the top of the Serie A table and will meet the Bianconeri at the Stadio Meazza on February 4, 2024.
“There are 20 games remaining, and we face different teams, not only Juventus. We must be consistent week in and week out. The target has been clear since the beginning. The second star,” the former Roma and Manchester United star told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Juventus may be the closest Inter rival, but Massimiliano Allegri has reiterated that the Bianconeri’s target is to earn a spot in the top four this term, claiming Inter, Milan and Napoli are better equipped in the race for the Serie A title.
“It’s a strategy, they want to put pressure on us and Milan, but they also want to win the title. We’ll see what happens in the end,” said Mkhitaryan.
What is Inter’s strength this season?
“We have changed a lot but we have the same winning mentality and positive attitude inside the dressing room,” he said.
“Actually, compared to last season, we have made a step forward in terms of maturity. We’ve understood what we lacked to really be a great team. A little bit of serenity and the proper experience which you reach only by playing certain games.”
What does he think when media and pundits say Inter have some of the best midfielders in Europe?
“I think it’s true, we have a strong midfield. Everyone talks about me, Calha and Barella, but the secret is that we also have Frattesi, Klaassen, Asllani and Sensi and everyone knows what to do,” the Inter midfielder replied.
“Davide [Frattesi] is really strong, I am sorry he doesn’t play much now, but he is aware that only the common target counts. Time and talent are on his side. He will be a cornerstone of Inter in the future.”