Armenian Veteran Hails Cristian Chivu Influence On Inter Milan Players: “Gave Us Something Simone Inzaghi Couldn’t” | OneFootball

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

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

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

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“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.