Latest news with #Mkhitaryan
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex Man United & Arsenal Veteran Hailed For Another Top Display In River Plate 0-2 Inter Milan FIFA Club World Cup Clash
Ex Man United & Arsenal Veteran Hailed For Another Top Display In River Plate 0-2 Inter Milan FIFA Club World Cup Clash Henrikh Mkhitaryan has won praise for yet another polished performance for Inter Milan in their Club World Cup win over River Plate. Today's print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, hail the Armenian's performance. Advertisement Henrikh Mkhitaryan was once again in the Inter Milan starting eleven against River Plate. The 36-year-old had started Inter's first group stage match against Monterrey. Then, he'd come on at halftime against Japanese team Urawa Red Diamonds. Mkhitaryan has proven to be just as important under Cristian Chivu as he had been under Simone Inzaghi. Therefore, there's every chance of the former Arsenal midfielder continuing to start throughout the knockouts. Inter face Brazilian giants Fluminense in the round of sixteen on Monday. Henrikh Mkhitaryan Praised For Another Top Performance For Inter Vs River Plate BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 27: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale looks on before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and US Lecce at Gewiss Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by) In the view of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, Henrikh Mkhitaryan shone against River Plate. Advertisement The Armenian showed why Chivu is continuing to trust him in midfield for Inter Milan. As he had done against Monterrey, Mkhitaryan played a bit higher up the pitch than had been the case under Inzaghi. There, the 36-year-old's spatial awareness, quality and the ball, and ability to release the ball quickly were vital parts of keeping Inter's attack ticking over.
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
The fast learning of Inter's youth saw off River Plate – Fluminense should be worried
Petar Sucic will learn a thing or two from Inter's experienced midfielders. Having joined the Champions League finalists earlier this month, Sucic, 21, came off the bench to assist Francesco Pio Esposito, 19, for their team's first goal in a 2-0 victory against River Plate in the Club World Cup on Wednesday. Advertisement Susic's eyes closely tracked the movement of his centre-forwards when he came on the pitch, but before that, it's likely they were focused on Inter's midfield as they secured their place in the knockout stage. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Nicolo Barella aren't just a pleasure to watch, they can also be a helpful guide to Inter's youngsters when it comes to what they are doing with and without the ball. Against River, it was their off-ball runs from midfield that grabbed the attention. The midfield duo started ahead of Kristjan Asllani and constantly attacked the space, with Esposito and Lautaro Martinez up front complementing their movement. Barella and Mkhitaryan were usually one step ahead of their markers, Rodrigo Aliendro and Matias Kranevitter. Here, they are surging forward before Alessandro Bastoni picks his pass. Inter's left centre-back plays a long pass towards Denzel Dumfries and Barella's initial movement gives him the advantage over Aliendro. When Dumfries wins the aerial duel and controls the ball, Barella continues his forward movement and the right wing-back finds his run. Meanwhile, on the other side, Kranevitter leaves Mkhitaryan, choosing instead to protect the central space… … but the latter's run towards the back post becomes more dangerous when Barella progresses down the right wing. Kranevitter then moves to defend the back post, and Esposito realises that the space is in front of the defence — he smartly holds his run to offer Barella a cutback option. The Italy midfielder then plays the ball to Esposito… …. whose shot is blocked by the defence. In another example, Kranevitter is away from Mkhitaryan and looking to contest the second ball as Yann Sommer goes direct to Inter's centre-forwards. When Esposito heads the long ball towards the left side of Inter's attack, Mkhitaryan immediately pounces, with River's right-back, Gonzalo Montiel, hesitant because Federico Dimarco (out of shot) is in position to attack the space behind him. Montiel and Kranevitter are left in no man's land, and Inter combine quickly to attack the space behind River's right-back. Dimarco's threat down the left wing forces River's right centre-back, Quarta, to react, leaving his partner, Paulo Diaz, alone against Esposito. Mkhitaryan spots Esposito darting towards the near post with River's left centre-back moving with him, and attacks the space… … but Dimarco's cross doesn't reach him. As Sucic watched from the bench, Esposito's lessons were more hands-on. The forward, who only made his debut a couple of days ago against Urawa Red Diamonds, operated alongside Martinez, and there's probably no one better to learn Inter's centre-forward role from. Just like Martinez has been doing throughout the years, Esposito made the right runs, held the ball up and linked the attack. In this example, Bastoni chips the ball towards Esposito with Barella way behind his marker Aliendro. As Esposito chests down the ball and dribbles inside to switch the play towards Dumfries, Barella dashes forward to start his third-man run… … which allows him to breeze past Aliendro and attack the space behind River's left-back, Marcos Acuna. Dumfries finds Barella's run… … and the Italy midfielder returns the pass with a lovely backheel. Inter's combination down the right side takes out Aliendro and Acuna, which forces Kranevitter to defend the gap, leaving Mkhitaryan free in the process. Dumfries then plays the cutback to Mkhitaryan… … but River's centre-backs manage to block the midfielder's shot. The runs from midfield were vital to Inter's victory which allowed them to top the group. First, it was Mkhitaryan's off-ball run that led to Quarta's dismissal. Here, the Armenia midfielder dashes behind Giorgio Costantini, who replaced Kranevitter, as Dumfries plays the ball forward. Quarta thinks he is safe because Esposito is dropping from an offside position in front of him… … but the real threat is Mkhitaryan who is surging forward and capitalises on the centre-back's mistake. Mkhitaryan beats Quarta to the ball and the defender's late tackle forces River to continue the match with 10 men. Second, the runs from midfield led to Inter's first goal when Barella's replacement, Sucic, attacked the correct space. In the build-up to the goal, River's midfield three are all over the place because they are trying to mark their counterparts while pressing Inter's right centre-back, Matteo Darmian. As a result, Costantini is left in between Sucic and Mkhitaryan, and Darmian finds the latter. River's midfielders try to organise themselves as Mkhitaryan plays the ball wide to Carlos Augusto… … but the Armenian's movement drags Costantini wide and creates a gap, which Sucic attacks as Augusto plays the ball to Asllani. Asllani then finds Sucic between the lines… … and the Croatia midfielder plays the ball to Esposito… … who dribbles past the onrushing defender and slots it into the bottom corner. Esposito's brilliant performance and Sucic's impressive cameo showed that they have an understanding of how Inter operate in possession of the ball. They will continue watching and learning, like Asllani, who was previously the understudy to Marcelo Brozovic and Hakan Calhanoglu. Considering Inter's injuries during the Club World Cup, these strong performances from their younger generation are promising. More importantly, it's a step towards the side's rejuvenation this season. Inter's youngsters should keep their eyes open because the chances are coming. You can sign up to DAZN to watch every FIFA Club World Cup game for free.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Armenia Veteran Outlines His Retirement Plan: 'Will Retire After Inter Milan'
Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits he will call time on his playing career once his contract at Inter Milan has expired. Interviewed by La Repubblica via FCInterNews, Mkhitaryan also admitted the team still feels upset about the Champions League final. Advertisement Despite joining Inter in the late stage of his career, Henrikh Mkhitaryan has flourished at the San Siro. Over the past few years, he has become one of the most influential figures in the Nerazzurri locker room. However, he is already 36, and with his contract running out next summer, his adventure at Inter is nearing its conclusion. Though he won Serie A in 2023/24, Mkhitaryan couldn't help the San Siro giants ascend the European throne. Indeed, he lost two Champions League finals in three years, including a disastrous 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last month. That was also Inter's last game under Simone Inzaghi, who switched to Al-Hilal only days after the final. Advertisement Meanwhile, Cristian Chivu has come in to fill the void. Inter Milan Veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan Opens Up on His Retirement Plan MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 08, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by) Mkhitaryan deemed Inter 'unplayable' midway through last season, but the team failed to back that up down the final stretch. 'I say what I think, without trying to please anyone – whether it's teammates, fans, whoever,' he stated. 'When others speak, I listen. 'If I speak – and I don't do it often -it's for the good of the team. The important thing is not to hide, to be clear, direct. 'Only that way can we help each other.' 'I didn't say we're always unplayable, but that we were in some matches because of the attitude we showed on the pitch,' he added. 'Of course I'd say it again, I mean it. Advertisement 'If someone makes fun of me for it, I don't care. Have I decided when to quit? I said this is the most exhausting season of my life, with three competitions. 'And that I don't know how much longer I'll play. I'm not ruling anything out, but I know I still want to be on the field. 'I have one year left on my contract with Inter. If they don't kick me out, I'm staying. 'I don't want to retire with the regret of having done it too soon. After Inter, I'm done. Moreover, I don't want to lower the level. 'I won't go back to playing in Armenia. And destinations like Saudi Arabia don't interest me. With all due respect, I love football for the game, not for money. Advertisement 'When I wake up, I want to train and show what I'm worth. 'After football? Today I say I'd like to leave the football world—but never say never. I'll need time to reflect and rest, with my family.' New Management SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by) Chivu has just embarked on his managerial career at Inter. After a 1-1 draw against CF Monterrey, he registered his first win at the FIFA Club World Cup. Indeed, the Nerazzurri overturned an early deficit to claim a 2-1 win in Philadelphia. 'The philosophy and ideas are new,' Mkhitaryan continued. 'The sooner we understand what he asks of us, the better. 'We immediately started with a real tournament, there's little time. The important thing with a new coach is to accept the instructions, learn, and work. Advertisement 'He's serious and likeable. He supports us mentally and tactically. From the very first training session, his mark was evident. 'The formation is the same, but the approach is different compared to Inzaghi.' Meanwhile, he discussed Inzaghi's farewell. 'We said goodbye in private,' Mkhitaryan revealed. 'I avoided making posts on social media. He made a decision, and we accepted it. 'That chapter is closed, another one begins.' However, he still feels the pain of the Champions League heartache. 'The scar remains,' he admitted. 'The pain doesn't go away, it was a tough loss. 'We don't forget the journey that brought us there – we played great games – but there's no going back. Advertisement 'We must get back up, learn, and move forward. There's no point in thinking about it too much. 'We must work to win in the coming days, the coming weeks, and the coming years.' Mehdi Taremi & Young Guns LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 26: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team's fourh goal goal during the Serie A match between Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on January 26, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by) Mehdi Taremi is going through a real-life drama after failing to leave Iran before Israel's air attacks. However, Mkhitaryan admits he remains in touch with the 32-year-old, insisting he's doing good given the circumstances. 'Of course, he's doing well,' he stated. 'I don't bother him too much, because many people are contacting him to know about his situation. 'It meant a lot that he wanted to wish us good luck for the Club World Cup. A great gesture. Advertisement 'It hurts to think about what's happening – let's hope the conflict ends as soon as possible.' Finally, he hailed Francesco Pio Esposito and Valentin Carboni. Both youngsters have featured for Inter in the United States, with the latter scoring a winning goal against Urawa. 'They know how football works – today you score, but tomorrow everything starts from zero. 'You have to prove you're ready – to the coach and to your teammates. 'We, the more experienced ones, try to show them how to improve. Then it depends on you – if you want to grow or not.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Two Key Players Struggling To Adjust As Cristian Chivu Changes Tactics At Inter Milan
Two Key Players Struggling To Adjust As Cristian Chivu Changes Tactics At Inter Milan Federico Dimarco and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are particularly struggling to adjust to the tactical changes Cristian Chivu is making at Inter Milan. Today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, note how neither of the pair quite fit into the 3-4-2-1 formation that the new coach has been experimenting with. Advertisement Cristian Chivu has been Inter Milan coach for a couple of weeks now. Therefore, the Romanian has had a number of training sessions to put his stamp on the team. Moreover, Chivu has been on the bench for two Inter matches so far. He has coached the Nerazzurri in Club World Cup matches against Monterrey and Red Diamonds. Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri have one more group stage match to go in the tournament. Watch Inter Milan vs River Plate for FREE with DAZN on any device! These matches have presented an invaluable opportunity to observe how Chivu will try and change the team. Sometimes, the 44-year-old has stuck closely with the 3-5-2 shape that Simone Inzaghi had virtually always used. Advertisement However, Chivu has also tested out a 3-4-2-1 formation. That was the starting formation for Saturday's clash with Urawa Red Diamonds. Dimarco & Mkhitaryan Struggle To Adapt As Chivu Tests Out Change In Shape At Inter PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Henrikh Mkhitaryan #22 of FC Internazionale Milano warms up prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by) A big question with this change in formation has been how certain players would adapt. Inzaghi's 3-5-2 formation had gotten the best out of a number of players in the squad. And there are some early signs that certain players in the squad aren't nearly as comfortable in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Wingback Federico Dimarco had been one of the big success stories under Inzaghi at Inter. The Italian international had an enormous amount of freedom on the pitch, and particularly in the final third, under Inzaghi. Advertisement On the other hand, in the 3-4-2-1 Dimarco has to stay wider and deeper. This is because, with two attacking midfielders, it is harder for the 27-year-old to drift infield without stepping on other players' toes. Meanwhile, Henrikh Mkhitaryan was another of Inzaghi's most-used players. The Armenian was the player who brought balance to the left side of Inter's team. But the role that Mkhitaryan really thrived in under Inzaghi was on the left of the midfield trio. The 36-year-old doesn't quite have a natural position now, either in the midfield double pivot, or as an attacking midfielder.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex Arsenal & Man United Veteran Hailed For Positive Display In Monterrey 1-1 Inter Milan FIFA Club World Cup Clash
Ex Arsenal & Man United Veteran Hailed For Positive Display In Monterrey 1-1 Inter Milan FIFA Club World Cup Clash Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has won praise for a positive performance against Monterrey in the Club World Cup. Today's print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, name the Armenian as the Nerazzurri's outstanding player in the 1-1 draw. Advertisement Henrikh Mkhitaryan was in the starting eleven for Inter Milan in their Club World Cup group stage opener against Mexican club Monterrey. That was hardly a surprise. The former Roma, Arsenal, and Manchester United midfielder was one of the players former Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi trusted most. And Cristian Chivu has given an indication that he feels the same way. He started Mkhitaryan on the left of the midfield trio in his first ever Inter starting lineup. Henrikh Mkhitaryan Praised For Performance In Monterrey 1-1 Inter VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Henrikh Mkhitaryan meanwhile. Therefore of. However. Moreover. FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by) In the view of Tuttosport, Henrikh Mkhitaryan put in an excellent performance. Advertisement From the start, the 36-year-old was key to Inter's game in possession. His technical ability in tight spaces and reading of the game were ideal. Therefore, Mkhitaryan rarely gave the ball away. He was able to keep the pressure on Monterrey by evading pressure with some good turns and passes. Then, in the second half, Mkhitaryan started to play higher up the pitch. With a change in system, the Armenian played as more of an attacking midfielder in a 3-4-1-2 shape.
