Akanji Backs Stones to Succeed at Inter Milan

Manuel Akanji expresses confidence in John Stones’ ability to adapt to Inter Milan as they prepare for the season ahead.

Manuel Akanji is optimistic about John Stones’ transition to Serie A following his move to Inter Milan. The Swiss defender, who played alongside Stones at Manchester City, believes his former teammate has all the qualities needed to excel in Italian football.

The shift from the Premier League to Serie A involves a tactical adjustment, especially with Cristian Chivu’s preferred system at Inter. Stones, who already made an impression by scoring in a pre-season friendly against Real Betis, will face the challenge of adapting to a new defensive setup, a task Akanji himself navigated upon arriving last year.

“Physically, you come from the Premier League already very well-prepared. Tactically, however, it’s different. I played with Stones at City in a back four, and I had to adapt. For me, it happened quite quickly, and I know John: he can do everything and he won’t have any problems either. Obviously, he’ll need help from his teammates and staff, but he’s ended up in the right place,” Akanji remarked in an interview.

Akanji has taken it upon himself to assist Stones with his integration into the team and Italian culture. The pair built a strong rapport during their time at Manchester City, and Akanji is committed to helping Stones feel settled. Their connection was further strengthened by a surprising encounter when their families met on a beach in Ibiza just hours before the transfer was finalized.

“It was funny because just a few hours before his arrival was confirmed, my wife and I met his wife on the beach in Ibiza. Pure coincidence. We’re friends and we’ve been on holidays together, and she told us: ‘I think we’ll end up coming…’ A few hours later, at home, I saw John’s message. Now I’m trying to introduce him to Inter. I explain everything to him; I try to translate; the other day I even took him to a restaurant. But he’s a great lad; he’ll adapt quickly,” Akanji shared.

Inter Milan has bolstered its defensive lineup significantly with the return of Benjamin Pavard from a loan spell at Marseille. For Akanji, this depth is crucial for the team as they aim to elevate their performance in both Serie A and the Champions League.

“That’s exactly what we need to compete not only in Italy but also in the Champions League. We have a formidable defence, among the best, and a great squad: in every position, there are at least two excellent players. Now we need to integrate the new players into the system, but the competition in training will be high, which will improve everyone,” he noted.

Using the summer break to reset his mindset, Akanji also showcased a fresh haircut in anticipation of the upcoming campaign. At 31, he feels fit and ready to tackle the challenges of the Serie A season, starting with the match against Monza.

“I don’t think it will take long to get back to 100%, because I was on holiday for three weeks, and as I normally do, I continued to train. Initially, I did a lot of running and gym work, and since my teammates returned from the tour, we’ve been working together on the pitch. Now I can’t wait to get serious with Monza: another season is a new beginning,” he concluded.