Akanji on Guiding Stones through Inter’s Tactical Maze
The leap from the Premier League to Serie A is never just about changing shirts. It means rewiring how you think about defending. For John Stones, that shift now comes with the added twist of stepping into Cristian Chivu’s intricate system at Inter.
He has already offered a glimpse of what he can bring, scoring in a pre-season friendly against Real Betis. But Manuel Akanji, who knows both Stones and the demands of Italian football, is clear: the real test is tactical.
“Physically, you come from the Premier League already very well-prepared. Tactically, however, it's different,” Akanji told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “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.”
From Manchester to Milan – and a guide on arrival
Akanji is not just offering kind words from afar. The 31-year-old has taken personal charge of easing Stones into life at Inter after his move from Manchester City, resuming a partnership and friendship forged in England.
On the pitch, they built trust in a back four. In Milan, Akanji is now acting as a guide, translator and everyday reference point as Stones confronts a new league, a new language and a very different defensive landscape.
Their reunion was almost scripted by chance. Before the transfer was even official, their families crossed paths.
“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,” Akanji revealed. “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.”
Inter’s defence thickens in the hunt for Europe
Stones is only one piece of a broader defensive upgrade. Inter have reinforced their backline again, with Benjamin Pavard returning from his loan spell at Marseille to crank up competition for minutes.
For Akanji, that congestion at the back is not a problem. It is the point.
“That’s exactly what we need to compete not only in Italy but also in the Champions League,” he said. “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.”
The message is clear: Appiano Gentile will be unforgiving. Stones arrives into a dressing room where status is earned daily, not inherited from past glories in England.
A fresh look, the same hunger
Off the pitch, Akanji has used the summer to reset. New season, new hairstyle, same relentless preparation. At 31, he insists he feels as sharp as ever and ready for the grind of another Serie A campaign.
He refused to let the off-season soften him. Three weeks of holiday still came with a programme.
“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,” he explained. “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 the countdown is to Monza and the opening whistle.
“Now I can’t wait to get serious with Monza: another season is a new beginning,” he concluded.
For Akanji, that new beginning includes a familiar face in Stones, a fortified backline and a clear target: turn Inter’s defensive depth into something that can carry them from domestic dominance to a genuine tilt at the Champions League.
