Manuel Akanji on John Stones’ Inter Switch: Adapting to a New Challenge

Manuel Akanji on John Stones’ Inter switch: “He can do everything – he’s in the right place”

The move from the Premier League to Serie A is rarely smooth. The tempo changes, the spaces shrink, and defenders suddenly live inside a tactical manual. John Stones has already marked his arrival at Inter with a goal in a pre-season friendly against Real Betis, but the real test lies in Cristian Chivu’s system and its demanding defensive structure.

Manuel Akanji knows that challenge inside out.

From back four to Inter’s chessboard

At Manchester City, Akanji and Stones operated in a back four, comfortable in a high line, used to constant pressing and quick recycling of possession. Inter is another world: a three-man base, aggressive wing-backs, constant shifts and cover. It’s a structure that punishes hesitation.

“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.”

The Swiss defender went through the same adjustment last year. Now he’s determined to make sure Stones’ learning curve is even steeper, and far less lonely.

Guide, translator, friend

Akanji has taken personal charge of Stones’ integration in Milan. Their bond from Manchester has simply been lifted and dropped into a new dressing room, a new league and a new language.

The story of their reunion started in the most unlikely way: not in a boardroom or on a training pitch, but on a beach.

“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,” he 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.”

From that moment, Akanji switched into full host mode.

“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.”

On the pitch, that means helping Stones read the triggers of Inter’s back line, when to step out, when to slide across, when to trust the cover. Off it, it means helping him decode Italian football culture, the scrutiny, the rhythm of the week. And, crucially, the food.

A defence built for Europe

Inter have not just added Stones. The return of Benjamin Pavard from his loan spell at Marseille adds another layer of quality and competition to a back line already regarded as one of Europe’s most complete.

For Akanji, that depth is not a luxury. It is the starting point for a serious tilt at the Champions League.

“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: nobody is guaranteed a place. Not Stones, not Pavard, not even Akanji himself. Inter want a defensive unit that can rotate without losing identity, that can handle the grind of Serie A and the spikes of European nights.

New season, new look, same hunger

Away from the tactical diagrams and transfer talk, Akanji has used the summer to reset. He has even turned up with a new hairstyle, a small but visible sign of a fresh start at 31.

He insists the body feels as sharp as ever.

“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.”

The countdown now points to Monza and the opening of the Serie A season. No easing in, no gentle warm-up.

“Now I can’t wait to get serious with Monza: another season is a new beginning,” he concluded.

For Inter’s defence, that new beginning comes with a familiar face in a new shirt, guided by an old friend who believes he is perfectly built for this stage. The question now is simple: can this rebuilt back line carry the Nerazzurri all the way to the summit of Europe?