Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits that it is not easy for Inter Milan to do without Hakan Calhanoglu at the base of their midfield.
The Armenian spoke to InterTV, via FCInterNews, after yesterday’s Serie A win over Roma.
Midfielder Calhanoglu started for Inter yesterday evening.
But the former AC Milan was barely able to see out ten minutes of the match. He had to go off after suffering a thigh problem.
This left Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi in a bind. Not least because Calhanoglu’s usual backup Kristjan Asllani was himself absent due to an injury.
Inzaghi decided to put Davide Frattesi on as a substitute for Calhanoglu.
The 25-year-old played on the right of Inter’s midfield. This allowed for Nicolo Barella to move into the deeper position where Calhanoglu normally plays.
Inter were able to win the match in Calhanoglu’s absence.
The Nerazzurri found the right balance in midfield with Barella playing deep and Frattesi and Mkhitaryan supporting him.
The versatility, technical quality, and physicality of that trio just about got the job done.
But it was not a vintage performance by Inter, particularly in possession. And Calhanoglu’s absence had a lot to do with that.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: “Not Easy For Inter To Cope Without Calhanoglu”
After yesterday’s win over Roma, Mkhitaryan said that “It was a very tough match.”
“They defended very well, and pressed high.”
“Fortunately we found the chance to score and we got it right,” Mkhitaryan continued.
“It’s very tough to cope without a player like Calhanoglu,” the 35-year-old former Arsenal and Manchester United midfielder said. “He’s fundamental for our team.”
Mkhitaryan said that “We had to regroup and find the right balance.”
“Frattesi is a very different kind of player,” he noted. “But fortunately we won the match, and that was vital for us.”
“You can always win by playing good football,” Mkhitaryan said.
“But sometimes there are tough matches like tonight.”
“After the international break, this was vital. Players were a bit tired, and perhaps lacked a bit of concentration.”
“But fortunately, we got a massive win for our season,” Mkhitaryan said.
“Now our minds are already firmly on the Champions League. That’s another very important match for us.”
