Armenia coach Artur Petrosyan has given more credibility to past reports claiming that Henrikh Mkhitaryan had issues with manager Jose Mourinho while he was at Manchester United.
Mkhitaryan moved on to Arsenal this week, part of a swap deal for Alexis Sanchez. Petrosyan believes his team captain got a raw deal while he was at Old Trafford, but feels the transfer will be good for all involved. The Armenian national team boss believes that being at Arsenal will be extremely beneficial for Mkhitaryan, and a better situation for his player.
Reports of a row between Mkhitaryan and Mourinho first surfaced in mid-December, and seemingly played a significant part in his Old Trafford exit. These comments from Petrosyan seem to further validate that narrative. Mourinho explicitly told the media his reasons for passing the Armenian over for selection.
“I think Henrikh had a problem with the United coach and at Arsenal, it will be another thing and not the same situation. There will not be so much pressure on him defensively,” Petrosyan told reporters.
“Yes, he (Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger) likes them to play better football. I think Wenger is better for Henrikh. We are very happy with this transfer from Manchester United. His style of play will be better suited at Arsenal.
“I only spoke with Miki and I cannot tell you about my talks with Miki because it was between us, but I told you about my impression that I was not happy with Mourinho.”
“I think Henrikh can do very well in the Premier League. He can continue in a good mood, in a good way. He is always one of the best players in the Premier League but under this manager, Wenger, he will become even stronger.”
Petrosyan was not done. He made a point of voicing his unhappiness with Mourinho’s often leaving the attacking midfielder on the bench.
“I think the (United) fans liked him. I think that means he did something for the club,” Petrosyan added.
“I am not happy with Mourinho’s decision not to play him, but it is his club, his team; he knows what he wants. It is good he has left.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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