There is a silent man holding Inter’s future in his hands. And no one is really talking about it. But the summer, this time, can’t wait.
Inter, il grande equivoco di Inzaghi: serve una soluzione entro l’estate (LaPresse) – serieanews.com
In the Inter team that is really in danger of winning it all this year is an inconspicuous but crucial man. Just watch the field, week after week. And realize who is always there, even when they are not talked about.
Everything can be said about Henrikh Mkhitaryan, except that such an exploit was expected. Indeed, he was supposed to be the “wise old man,” perhaps useful in games in progress, or in moments of management. Instead, nothing: since he arrived three years ago (and he was already 33, ed.), he took the starting jersey and held on to it, never leaving it. And so it is even today that he is 36.
The others are left with the crumbs again this year. Frattesi, who arrived to be the new face, has been on the bench for two years. Even Zielinski, who also brought with him experience and quality, for now has seemed more of an intention than a solution. So it always comes back there: the old Mikhi, the one who never gives up, the one who turns everything around.
The point, however, is that Mkhitaryan knows this very well: he cannot last indefinitely. He said as much in his last interview, without mincing words. He has too fine an intelligence to be carried away by time. If he gets the feeling that he can no longer make a difference, he will be the one to say goodbye. Without drama. Maybe as early as this summer.
Inter, che fare con Mkhitaryan? Inzaghi è al bivio
And this is where Inzaghi’s real misunderstanding arises. Inter has built a midfield that works as long as Mkhitaryan is there. But it has not yet really envisioned what to do when he is gone. And it is not a remote possibility: it is an approaching certainty.
Inter, che fare con Mkhitaryan? Inzaghi è al bivio (LaPresse) – serieanews.com
At that point it will be necessary to decide what to do. If Frattesi seems closer to a farewell than to a stay, as of today betting everything on Zielinski could be a risk, given the anonymous season played by the Pole. That is why there is first to understand what the Armenian will do and then plan for the future.
Among the hypotheses is one that could make sense if indeed Mkhitaryan decides to call it quits. Lorenzo Pellegrini, outgoing from Roma, has long been liked by Inzaghi. The perfect profile to alternate with Zielinski, guaranteeing quality and charisma. A luxury, of course, especially if Mikhi should also stay. If not, he could be an excellent solution.
The scenario is different if Mkhitaryan stays one more year. In that case, you could bet on a promising youngster to grow behind him, giving up at that point Zielinski, who would become a frill you could do without. Also because three level players for one place is just too much, even if you are Inter.
It is up to Inzaghi to untie the knot. But the answer, as is often the case, will not come from a tactical board. A phone call will suffice, an honest chat, perhaps once this emotionally charged season is completed. Mikhi, what are we going to do?
This article Inter, Inzaghi’s big misunderstanding: a solution is needed by summer appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
