Bodo/Glimt Vs Inter Milan – Mkhitaryan Warns His Teammates Against Complacency: “We Must Avoid Embarrassment, Many Teams Have Struggled Here” | OneFootball

Inter Milan veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan warned his teammates not to take upcoming rivals Bodo/Glimt for granted.

Speaking to Inter TV via FCInterNews, the Armenian midfielder gave credit to the Norwegian side for their impressive home form.

Despite winning five of their eight matches during the league phase, the Nerazzurri failed to secure a top-eight finish.

Therefore, they’ll continue their European journey in the knockout playoffs.

However, they head into this two-legged tie against Bodo/Glimt as odds-on favorites to reach the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian champions progressed from the league phase despite failing to win their opening six games.

Indeed, back-to-back wins over Atletico Madrid and Manchester City catapulted them into the knockouts.

As a result, they’ll meet Inter for the first time since the late 1970s, seeking a third consecutive Champions League win.

That’s a feat they’ve never achieved before.

On the other hand, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is reluctant to underestimate a side that has already defied the odds on home soil.

Mkhitaryan Urges Inter Milan Against Complacency Ahead of Bodo/Glimt Clash

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)

“Tonight we have to play well and avoid mistakes,” Mkhitaryan said. “We know it’s not easy to play here.

“Therefore, we must do our best to get a good result ahead of the second leg. It’s a ground where we’ve never played before, and we know it won’t be simple.

“The pitch is artificial, but we won’t look for excuses. We have to give our best to win because we know many teams have struggled here, and we must avoid embarrassing ourselves.”

Meanwhile, Mkhitaryan also addressed the absence of several first-team stars, including Hakan Calhanoglu.

“Whoever plays tonight, or comes on, has to give their all for the team,” he added. “That’s what matters in the end. The coach rotates the squad regularly, and we all want to do our part,” he concluded.

Inter Milan Star Henrikh Mkhitaryan Comments on Synthetic Pitch

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 23: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s sixth goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In addition to facing harsh weather conditions in the Arctic Circle, Inter must also deal with the synthetic pitch.

Speaking to Prime Video via FCInterNews, Mkhitaryan confirmed that he is not enthusiastic about playing there.

“This is not a nice pitch to play on,” he admitted. “I’ve been here twice before and had two bad experiences (with Roma),” said the Armenian.

“It will be difficult, but we’ll have to do our best, also with the second leg in mind. We want to take advantage.”

Asked what Inter must do to win, he replied: “We must avoid the mistakes Bodo’s previous opponents made and try to hurt them.”

Finally, Mkhitaryan clarified Inter’s mental health after everything that happened to Alessandro Bastoni over the past few days.

“We’ll see in a few minutes. We’ll step onto the pitch to give our best. We’re ready.”