STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MAY 24: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Manchester United shares a heartfelt embrace with his manager, Jose Mourinho, as he is substituted during the UEFA Europa League Final against Ajax at the Friends Arena on May 24, 2017. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Inter midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan recently reflected on his experiences with various coaches throughout his career, including Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Jose Mourinho, and Arsene Wenger.
The seasoned player discussed his coaching relationships during an appearance at the Festival dello Sport in Trento on Sunday.
Mkhitaryan’s Bet with Klopp: ‘He Told Me I Owed Him €50’
Mkhitaryan regards Klopp, his former coach at Borussia Dortmund, as one of his top mentors.
“He was always approachable, whether you wanted to discuss football or personal matters,” Mkhitaryan shared (via TMW). “I’ll forever be grateful to him, especially during my tough times at Dortmund.”
Mkhitaryan then recounted a memorable bet he had with Klopp during practice.
“We had a bet in training where he challenged me to score more than seven goals during a drill. My first shot went wide, and my second hit the post. He stopped the drill and told me I owed him €50,” Mkhitaryan recalled.
“In the next game against Eintracht, I scored two goals—those I had missed in training. After the match, he hugged me and jokingly asked for the €50 back. I didn’t fully grasp the bet, and we decided not to have any more after that.”
After Klopp’s departure to Liverpool in 2015, Tuchel replaced him at Dortmund. Mkhitaryan admitted he struggled initially under Tuchel but eventually found his form.
“We faced challenges in Klopp’s last year, finishing seventh and reaching the German Cup final. When Tuchel arrived, I was contemplating leaving as I wasn’t feeling my best, either physically or mentally,” he explained.
“Tuchel urged me to trust him, assuring I could achieve 15 goals and 15 assists in his system. I was skeptical because my confidence had waned and even my agent suggested I leave.”
“Ultimately, I had a fantastic season, thanks to him. He revitalized my confidence and passion for the game.”
Reflections on Manchester United, Arsenal, Mourinho, and Wenger
Mkhitaryan’s journey later took him to Manchester United under Jose Mourinho.
“Mourinho reached out to me, expressing his desire to have me in Manchester, especially after what he deemed a standout season for me. It’s a career opportunity that doesn’t come often,” he stated.
“My relationship with him had its challenges, but it contributed to my growth. He pushed me to overcome obstacles and I’ve never backed down from a challenge.”
“While we didn’t have a negative personal relationship, our interactions as coach and player were often contentious. He wanted to test my mental fortitude and see if I could handle high-pressure matches in the league and Champions League.”
Mkhitaryan reminisced about a moment post-Europa League victory when Mourinho didn’t shake his hand. “He might have forgotten, or perhaps he wanted to see my reaction. I reflected on it later, but I learned that external validation isn’t necessary to affirm your achievements.”
After his time at Manchester United, Mkhitaryan transferred to Arsenal, where Alexis Sanchez moved in the opposite direction.
Mkhitaryan reflects fondly on his North London stint.
When asked about his affinity for Arsenal, he said: “I admired Wenger. I had six amazing months under him before he departed. We played the attacking style he is known for.”
“I started following Arsenal as a child because Premier League matches were broadcast in Armenia. Playing for Arsenal has always been my dream.”