According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Akanji said he feels at ease at Inter Milan, but the team still needs to improve its performance in European competitions, and the World Cup defeat is still a wound for him.
Inside the San Nicolás Stadium, after defeating Betis in Bari's bizarre August friendly, Manuel Akanji kept touching his newly shaved head: his braids were gone, but his mind was filled with thoughts about Inter's new season. With John Stones, whom he had just reunited with and who immediately scored, by his side, this season would be emotionally different.
Akanji, how do you view your performance in the first 45 minutes of the season?
“The first half was tough, but I’m satisfied. I think I’ll be back to 100% soon because I’ve had a three-week break, but as usual, I’m still training. At first, I mainly ran and went to the gym, and after my teammates came back from the tour, we trained together on the field. Now I can’t wait to really kick off with Monza: the new season is a new beginning.”
Even her hairstyle is a fresh start. Why did she change her hairstyle?
“Yes, I have to do it. I need to change. I feel good, and most people say I look younger, which is nice, considering I'm already 31…”
Are you happy that your 32-year-old friend Stones scored his first goal here in Barry?
"I'm truly happy for him. By the way, Betis is a very strong team. Now he needs to keep scoring in the next game; it can't end like this... (laughs)"
Overall, how did you come to know him again?
"It's interesting because just a few hours before his signing was officially announced, my wife and I ran into her on a beach in Ibiza. It was a complete coincidence. We're friends and have even spent a holiday together. She said at the time, 'I feel like we'll end up going together...' A few hours later, I got home and saw the message from John. Now I'm trying to help him understand Inter Milan. I'll explain everything to him, help him translate, and I even took him to a restaurant a few days ago. But he's a really great guy and will adapt quickly."
Inter Milan is also poaching players from the Premier League: last year it was you, now it's Stones, Spence, who will come next... How important is Premier League experience?
“Physically speaking, Premier League players are usually very well prepared. But tactically, it’s different. Stones and I played a four-man defense at Manchester City, and I had to adapt. For me, the process was quick, and I know John: he can do everything and he won’t have any problems on his own. Of course, he needs the help of his teammates and the coaching staff, but he’s in the right place.”
What did you learn from Italy and from Chivu himself?
“For me, defending is…the most beautiful thing in the world. It’s the most important part of my game. Both John and I like to organize from the back and control the ball, but obviously, the first priority is still marking. Inter as a whole did a really good job in these aspects. Personally, I like to play in multiple positions because the coach helps me and gives me a certain amount of freedom. I want to say that the coach really understands defensive players…”
Do you remember what Chivu looked like when he played football?
“I remember, I remember his headgear, his elegance, and his power in physical confrontations. He seemed to enjoy the physical contact. I watched the documentary about Mourinho on Netflix the other day, and he was in it: he didn’t talk much, but his tackle on Messi was amazing, back in the treble-winning season! It was all so exciting.”
When it comes to defense, with the addition of Stones and Pavard this year, the competition is fiercer than ever.
“This is exactly what we need to compete for the title, not just in Italy, but also in the Champions League. Our defense is very strong, one of the best, and the team is very strong: we have at least two excellent players in every position. Now we need to integrate the new signings into the system, but the competition in training will be intense, which will make everyone better.”
After winning two trophies, what are your thoughts on Inter Milan?
“There’s something special here. From day one, I felt accepted by the team, the fans, and everyone around the club. I even felt myself getting very... comfortable very quickly. Of course, playing and winning also helps, but Inter never leaves you alone. We still have a lot to improve, and that’s our goal, but it already feels like home here.”
Without your fellow Swiss, Sommer, by your side, and reunited with Stones: What is life like in the locker room and in Milan?
“I’ll miss Sommer, but I’ve made a lot of friends here and reunited with Johan. My child goes to the same school as Mkhitaryan’s child, and I get along well with Çalhanoğlu and Bisek. I know most people speak English, but my Italian is getting better and better: I can understand almost everything and manage. A few days ago I went to see a movie and even read the Italian subtitles of the Odyssey to practice. The movie was really good, but the theater volume was too loud, and my ears hurt a bit by the end.”
After dominating in Italy, can this team approach the Champions League with the same mindset?
“We can’t be afraid of anyone, and we must never go onto the pitch with doubts that we can’t win. We can play with the idea of beating any opponent, but of course, we have to prove it. We did it in the league and the Italian Cup, but we were eliminated too early in the Champions League, which is not Inter’s standard. We know we can do better, but everything depends on our performance in the game.”
Does the wound from the World Cup quarter-final defeat still hurt?
"Yes, that was a tough match because we played better than Argentina and really had a chance to win the World Cup. If it weren't for that red card, I think we would have qualified. We even quieted the stadium down, and then Julian's goal ended it all, but I'm still proud of Switzerland. Lautaro and I haven't talked about it, there's no need, because neither of us was happy with the final result of that World Cup."
Are you still insisting on never taking penalty kicks again?
"Yes. What frustrated me in that round of 16 match against Colombia wasn't the missed penalty itself, but that I hesitated too much, especially since I had already missed the last two penalties in a tournament I played in Switzerland before."
For someone as analytical as you, is it particularly difficult to accept mistakes?
“Normally not, but that time it was… If I play well and the goalkeeper saves, I can accept that. I can’t accept being consumed by thoughts before I take the kick. So that’s it: I will fight to the end for 120 minutes, and from now on I will pass the kick to my teammates.”
Everyone's talking about your amazing calculation skills, but does it help you on the court, in making quick decisions?
"No, on the field, the only things that matter are your understanding and experience of the game. Have you been in similar situations before? Have you trained? Do you know where you should stand? What if that player gets beaten? What if the ball goes between his legs? You can't calculate on the field; you can only react to what happens. To me, a 'smart' player is someone who can make the right decision at the right time. It's hard when you're 20, but as you grow, you have to listen, look back, learn, and become smarter."
Which tattoo do you value most?
“I had ‘Prove them wrong’ written on my arm. I was 20 years old when I had just had ACL surgery, and I could feel that people around me were doubting me. But I never doubted myself. Although I feel that I no longer need to prove anything except to myself, I still like this phrase. Overall, life changes you: I used to always want the latest iPhone and designer clothes, but now I don’t care about these luxuries anymore. My thinking has also changed after having three children.”
You're a Patriots fan like Chivu and also enjoy American football: what inspiration does this sport offer to you football players?
"First of all, I'm actually an Atlanta Falcons fan, and I often wear a Julio Jones jersey to Appiano for practice. He's a wide receiver, my favorite player, and he led us to the Super Bowl. In the NFL, strategy is everywhere: I've been a die-hard fan for 10 years and I'm still learning, studying receiving routes, defensive coverage. The things you can't see on TV are what fascinate me the most, and that's exactly what we can 'bring' into football. For a long time, I also played fantasy football with my friends, like your fantasy league: I really had a lot of fun, but I'm fascinated by all sports."
Which projects do you like the most?
"There's a lot to it, let's start with tennis. I played it when I was younger. I used to prefer Sinner to Alcaraz, but now I actually miss their matches: I just love watching them play. Of course, I'll always be on Roger Federer's side, partly because he's Swiss, and partly because I met him a couple of times. By the way, Nadal came to visit us when he was at Manchester City: he's really humble and a great role model. I also follow basketball, and my favorite player, Russell Westbrook, just retired. I supported the Oklahoma City Thunder: those years with him, Durant, and Harden were unforgettable."
