Inter Milan coach Inzaghi sends message to the club on Mkhitaryan

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi reportedly intended to send the club management a subtle message concerning Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The 35-year-old has been almost omnipresent in the manager’s starting lineup since joining the club on a free transfer from AS Roma in the summer of 2022.

The Armenian formed a golden midfield trio alongside Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu.

In recent weeks, there was some talk about utilizing Mkhitaryan as an emergency striker or an attacking midfielder in a 3-5-1-1 formation.

Inzaghi is currently suffering from a lack of options upfront, especially with Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic sustaining knocks in pre-season friendlies.

Moreover, Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram have only recently returned from their summer vacations. Meanwhile, Joaquin Correa and Martin Satriano remain on the outs.

But according to Tuttosport via FcInterNews, Inzaghi is refusing to move Mkhitaryan from the middle of the park.

The 48-year-old doesn’t intend to rely on the former Manchester United and Arsenal star in a move advanced position. After all, he still considers the veteran an essential element in his three-man midfield.

Therefore, the source believes that Inzaghi sent a message to the club’s hierarchy in last night’s friendly against Al-Ittihad.

The coach started with a 3-5-2 formation, with Thuram and Correa spearheading the attack.

And when it was time to ring the changes in the second half, Inzaghi brought in Satriano for Thuram. On the other hand, Mkhitaryan replaced Barella in midfield.

The Turin-based newspaper took it as a declaration of intent on the manager’s part.

In other words, Inzaghi indirectly told the management that he would rather field an attacking partnership of Correa and Satriano rather than move Mkhitaryan from the middle of the park.

Hence, the coach is urging the club directors to act on the market and bring in reinforcement for the attack.