Inter Milan star vents about Klopp: 'He owes me'

In an interview in which he opened up about his career, Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan recalled the relationship he had with some of the greatest coaches in world football. The Armenian told stories about Tuchel, Mourinho and Simone Inzaghi, but the most curious one was about Jürgen Klopp, from whom he jokingly charged an old debt.

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The 'debt' with Klopp

During the period in which they worked together at Borussia Dortmund, Mkhitaryan went through a difficult time, and the German coach was instrumental in his recovery. The good relationship even led to a bet, which the player did not forget.

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— He had a solution for everything, he was always available, he listened to you on any subject. I went through a difficult time at Dortmund and he helped me a lot. He still owes me 50 euros for a bet we made after I scored two goals… — joked the midfielder.

Relationship with other coaches

Mkhitaryan also revealed that he almost left Dortmund, but was convinced to stay by Thomas Tuchel, who “resurrected” him at the club.

— I wanted to leave, but Tuchel spoke to me. He told me: 'you will score 15 goals and 15 assists in the position I see you in'. He was right. He gave me back my happiness in football,” he said.

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The midfielder also detailed his complex relationship with José Mourinho. At Manchester United, the beginning was turbulent, but it served as a learning experience.

— At first, the relationship wasn't easy, but he made me grow as a man. He wanted to put me in trouble to see if I could get out of it, and I never gave up — said Mkhitaryan, who met the Portuguese again at Roma. — In Rome, we understand each other in everything.

Mkhitaryan's move to Inter Milan, his current team, was not simple. According to him, Roma were “unclear” about the renewal, and Inter appeared with a two-year contract. The decision angered Mourinho.

— Maybe Mou didn't know anything and, when he found out, he was very angry with the board. He came to me to ask what I wanted, but I explained to the manager that it was already too late.

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