Manuel Akanji says there’s ‘no risk’ for him to return to Manchester Metropolis within the January window and is ‘prepared’ to face Arsenal within the Champions League tomorrow: ‘A high aspect, however not the easiest.’
Akanji previewed tomorrow’s Champions League match between Inter and Arsenal at a press convention on Monday.
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The Dutch defender joined Manchester Metropolis on mortgage with an choice to purchase final summer time, however the Nerazzurri have already determined to make his transfer everlasting.
Inter’s choice will change into necessary if Inter win the Scudetto this season.
Throughout his pre-match press convention, Akanji stated there’s no risk for him to return to Manchester Metropolis and argued Arsenal have been among the many finest groups in Europe, though “not the easiest.”
Cristiano Chivu, however, stated Arsenal are
Akanji has instantly change into a key Inter participant beneath Chivu, making 25 appearances throughout all competitions. The 30-year-old has already collected 2,057 minutes on the pitch and is predicted to begin on the again tomorrow, when the Gunners go to Inter at San Siro.
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Beneath is Akajni’s full press convention by way of
Inter vs. Arsenal: Akanji’s pre-match press convention
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan competes for the ball with Manuel Akanji of FC Internazionale through the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
“I feel Arsenal are among the many finest groups in Europe. For me they’re not the easiest, however they’re actually among the many high sides, so it is going to be an excellent problem, however we’re prepared. No, there was no risk of me returning to Metropolis.”
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What do you make of Arsenal’s progress?
“I don’t watch a lot soccer as a result of I’ve three youngsters at dwelling, however that stated, they’ve a really deep squad with a number of high quality and so they’ve proven consistency, which is essential if you wish to compete on a number of fronts.”
What’s going to it take to beat them?
“We’ll have to be medical. Whenever you play towards high groups, each mistake may be punished, however the identical applies to them. We’ve got to be ruthless and medical in entrance of objective, whereas additionally being tidy in possession. It received’t be straightforward, however we’ve got to play as a crew.”
Arsenal brought on Inter loads of issues final season and are very sturdy offensively this 12 months. How troublesome will or not it’s defensively?
“It’s arduous to match with final 12 months as a result of I wasn’t right here. Arsenal are a robust crew and so they rating loads, particularly from set items. In Europe you at all times face high attacking gamers: Atletico and Liverpool additionally had very sturdy forwards. We’ll undoubtedly have to remain centered.”
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Riccardo Sottil of US Lecce is challenged by Manuel Akanji of FC Internazionale Milano through the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
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Is Inter your future?
“The sooner query was about whether or not I’d return within the winter and I stated no. What occurs on the finish of the season isn’t solely as much as me, however I’m very joyful right here and I hope it could actually proceed. We’ll see what occurs.”
What do you consider Chivu? How a lot has he helped you carry out so properly in several roles?
“From the very starting, our relationship has been excellent. I spoke with the coach on the day I signed, and since then we’ve been in fixed contact, even between matches. He’s at all times obtainable. He’s helped me loads, together with taking part in in several positions: I even performed as a holding midfielder within the final match. I actually recognize his openness, in addition to that of his employees and my teammates.”
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How a lot has this group grown?
“We’ve undoubtedly made progress, and you’ll see it within the latest outcomes. We’ve improved defensively and don’t concede many probabilities anymore. Earlier than, we have been letting in additional objectives. Offensively, we’ve additionally been very efficient, and I hope that exhibits tomorrow night time.”
Within the final match you performed as a holding midfielder. Might you do this once more sooner or later?
“No, I don’t anticipate to play there. I can play wherever and at all times give my most to assist the crew, however my function is as a defender. At Metropolis, I performed one or two matches getting into midfield with the ball. I can do it, however I feel my finest place is in a again three. That stated, if the coach wants me there, I’m at all times keen.”
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Who’s one of the best crew in Europe? What’s Inter’s goal within the Champions League?
“For me, Bayern are the strongest crew in Europe proper now. They play nice soccer, rating a number of objectives and concede only a few. Our foremost goal is to win the Scudetto, which is our goal yearly. Within the Champions League particularly, our first objective is to complete within the high eight. After that, we’ll see — everybody is aware of what Inter are able to.”