Akanji Mentoring Stones at Inter: A New Beginning
The move from the Premier League to Serie A always asks questions of a defender. At Inter, under Cristian Chivu’s tactical demands, those questions get sharper.
John Stones has already offered a glimpse of what he can bring, scoring in a pre-season friendly against Real Betis. The real test, though, lies in swapping a familiar back four for Inter’s intricate defensive mechanisms. Manuel Akanji knows that transition well. He lived it last year.
“Physically, you come from the Premier League already very well-prepared. Tactically, however, it's different,” the Swiss defender 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 Ibiza coincidence to Milan guide
Akanji isn’t just offering encouragement from a distance. He has taken personal charge of Stones’ integration after the England international’s arrival from Manchester City, leaning on the bond they built in the Premier League.
The story of their reunion started far from Appiano Gentile.
“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 there, 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.”
Translator, tour guide, teammate. The Swiss centre-back has taken Stones under his wing to help him navigate both Italian football and everyday life in a new country.
Inter’s defensive armoury deepens
While Stones settles in, Inter’s defensive options have thickened again. Benjamin Pavard is back from his loan spell at Marseille, adding another high-level piece to an already imposing backline.
For Akanji, that congestion 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: places are not guaranteed, standards cannot drop, and training at Appiano Gentile will feel like a series of auditions for the biggest stage in Europe.
Fresh look, same hunger
Akanji has used the summer to reset. New season, new hairstyle, same ambition. At 31, he insists he feels as strong as ever and ready for the grind of another Serie A campaign.
“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.”
Monza await on the opening day. For Akanji, that fixture is not just another date on the calendar.
“Now I can’t wait to get serious with Monza: another season is a new beginning,” he concluded.
A new beginning for him, for Stones, and for an Inter defence built to decide games deep into spring.
