Ex Arsenal & Man United Star On Potential Positional Tweak At Inter Milan: ‘That’s A Question For The Coach’ | OneFootball

Henrikh Mkhitaryan feels that the idea of him playing in holding midfield at Inter Milan would be a question for his coach Simone Inzaghi.

The Nerazzurri midfielder spoke in a press conference after yesterday’s Serie A win over Roma, as reported by FCInterNews. He stressed that he will play where the coach asks him to.

Inter found themselves in a tricky situation early on in yesterday’s match against Roma.

Barely ten minutes into the match, midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu was forced off with an injury.

Calhanoglu is a pivotal player for Inter in every sense. The Turkish international is the player who anchors the midfield trio.

Moreover, the Nerazzurri were already missing Calhanoglu’s main backup in the squad. Kristjan Asllani was absent after having picked up a knock in training.

That left Inter coach Simone Inzaghi scrambling to find a solution in holding midfield.

The Nerazzurri coach put Davide Frattesi on as a substitute for Calhanoglu. That allowed Nicolo Barella to play deeper, taking the place of Calhanoglu.

Then, the experienced Mkhitaryan also had a lot of work to do defensively and in buildup in Calhanoglu’s absence.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Positional Tweak At Inter “A Question For Inzaghi”

Mkhitaryan did show that he can contribute a lot even deeper on the pitch with his performance yesterday.

The Armenian began his career playing a more attacking role.

But gradually, Mkhitaryan has played more and more in central midfield. And that has meant moving deeper on the pitch.

That is the same sort of positional transformation that Calhanoglu underwent at Inter. And before him, Marcelo Brozovic.

Yesterday, Inter coach Inzaghi opted for Barella in the holding role.

And then there is also Piotr Zielinski, who has played in the position for Poland.

Clearly, there is a lot of technical quality and versatility for Inzaghi to select from in midfield, even when key players like Calhanoglu are absent.

Mkhitaryan said that it’s a “question for Inzaghi” whether he plays deeper.

“I’m ready to play in any position and give my best.”

Of losing Calhanoglu so early, Mkhitaryan said that “When he’s on the pitch we play differently.”

“Today it wasn’t easy for us to settle quickly.”

“But we settled and played very well,” Mkhitaryan said. “Myself, Bare, and Frattesi.”

The former Arsenal and Roma midfielder admitted that “I started the season badly.”

“It happens,” he said. “But over the last few matches I’ve proven my level.”

“There’s still a bit missing, but I’m doing everything I can to play well.”