Manuel Akanji has described Arsenal as one of the strongest teams in Europe as Inter Milan prepare for a crucial UEFA Champions League showdown against the Gunners on Tuesday night.
Ahead of what promises to be a highly demanding European night, the Swiss defender reflected on the scale of the challenge facing Inter as they prepare to resume their Champions League campaign in the new year.
Speaking to the press ahead of the seventh matchday of the Champions League championship phase, in comments shared via Inter’s official X handle, the Swiss defender acknowledged the scale of the task facing Mikel Arteta’s side in their first European outing of the new year. Akanji said:
I think Arsenal is one of the best teams in Europe, For me it is not the best, but it is one of the best. It will be a great challenge, but we are ready.
The defender also dismissed any suggestion of a possible return to Manchester City despite the Premier League side’s injury concerns, insisting his focus remains firmly on Inter. he added:
No, there was no chance that I would return to City.
Assessing Arsenal’s development under Mikel Arteta, Akanji admitted he does not follow football closely away from matchdays, but still highlighted the Gunners’ consistency and squad depth. he said
I don’t watch football that much, I have three children at home. “But they have a very deep squad with quality players and they have a constant performance, which is important when you want to compete on different fronts.
Looking ahead to the contest itself, Akanji stressed the importance of efficiency and composure, especially against elite opposition. he explained:
We will need to be effective. Against big teams, every mistake can be punished, but the same goes for us. We have to be effective in front of goal and clean in possession. It won’t be easy, but we must play as a team.
Arsenal posed major problems for Inter in last season’s competition and are once again among Europe’s most dangerous attacking sides, particularly from set-pieces. Akanji believes defensive focus will be key. he said:
It’s hard to compare with last year because I wasn’t here. Arsenal are a good team and score a lot, even from set pieces. But in Europe there are always strong attacking players – Atletico, Liverpool too. We will have to be very careful.
Meanwhile, softfootball understands that Akanji joined Inter Milan from Manchester City on loan during the summer transfer window, and the Italian giants are open to making the move permanent if the defender continues to impress during his spell in Serie A and Europe.
With confidence high and the challenge clearly defined, Akanji and Inter will now turn their full attention to the task at hand, knowing that a disciplined, collective performance will be crucial if they are to take a positive result against one of Europe’s elite sides.
