Arsenal: Arsene Wenger will be the key to Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has heralded the opportunity of working with Arsene Wenger. Certainly, the Arsenal manager’s differences to Jose Mourinho will be key to his time at the Emirates, especially early on.

The post-Alexis-Sanchez era begins on Tuesday night. While the Chilean has been absent from the Arsenal squad for several weeks now, with his exit somewhat inevitable, the Gunners’ trip to the Liberty Stadium will be the first Premier League game since his official departure. It is also anticipated to be the debut of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the man primed to lead the succession.

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The former Manchester United midfielder, who was traded in a direct swap for Sanchez, arrived in England 18 months ago with a rather hefty reputation. 11 goals and 15 assists in just 31 Bundesliga games were enough to stir up such lofty expectations. But he has failed to live up to his billing, repeatedly clashing with Jose Mourinho over character and footballing style.

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Mkhitaryan, then, has an image to restore. And speaking after his confirmed move and before what is expected to be his first appearance in the North London red, the Armenian was keen to highlight the influence of his new manager, Arsene Wenger, implying the comparison between the two adversaries that have and will coach his time in England:

"“Of course, it’s very important to have respect from your manager. I know that he’s demanding and he likes his players to explore. He was one of the [reasons] to join Arsenal as well because everyone knows he’s a great manager. I’ve known him for a long time and of course, it was not very difficult to make this decision to come to Arsenal, because I think the way that Arsenal play [make] it a dream for every player to come here and play offensive football.”"

Certainly, the contrast is there to be made. An abrasive, controversial but ruthless leader; a loyal, polite, unassuming but perhaps overly-soft father-figure. It is not just their philosophies on the pitch that are different. Wenger and Mourinho are different men, different characters with different behaviour and approaches. They communicate in their own unique manner, they invest in their players with a distinct purpose, they recruit certain types of players, they value varying skills, traits and personalities. Put simply, they are two managers that are at either end of the spectrum.

Clearly, Mourinho’s style did not suit Mkhitaryan. His attitude was publicly criticised, something that he did not respond well to like other players might have. His work rate in training was questioned, with his desire to forge a role in a team that he did not suit doubted. The way in which he played did not acclimatise well to the defend-first principles that the ornery Mourinho unwaveringly implements.

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Like with every player, his relationship with his manager will have a substantial impact on his form. And the same is true for Mkhitaryan. He needs to be loved, valued, and used appropriately. That is something that Mourinho was unable to do. Hopefully, Wenger can learn from his mistakes, right his wrongs, and lead a talented individual to bloom.