Manuel Akanji on John Stones’ Transition to Inter: A New Beginning

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

The jump from the Premier League to Serie A is never just about changing shirts. It means unlearning habits, bending to new tactical demands, and, at Inter, stepping into Cristian Chivu’s very specific defensive framework.

John Stones has already left a mark – a goal in a pre-season friendly against Real Betis – but Manuel Akanji knows that’s only the start. The Swiss defender has lived this transition himself and understands the shift from a back four at Manchester City to Inter’s intricate structure is a test of the brain as much as the body.

“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.”

Akanji the mentor

At 31, Akanji has taken on more than just his own role in Inter’s backline. He has made Stones his project, personally overseeing the Englishman’s integration after his arrival from City.

Their relationship was forged in Manchester. Now it’s being repurposed in Milan.

The Swiss centre-back has become guide, translator and everyday companion, easing Stones into the demands of Italian football and the rhythms of a new city. The way their reunion was signposted could hardly have been scripted better.

“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, the settling-in process began immediately.

“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 defensive armory deepens

Stones is not the only reinforcement. Inter’s defensive unit has thickened again with Benjamin Pavard returning from his loan spell at Marseille, cranking up the competition for minutes across the backline.

For some, that depth might feel suffocating. For Akanji, it’s the only way Inter can go from contenders to genuine Champions League threats.

“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.”

Appiano Gentile is set to become a daily battleground. Every session, every drill, a small audition for the biggest nights in Europe.

New season, new look, same hunger

Akanji used the summer to reset. Not just his legs, but his image too, unveiling a new hairstyle ahead of the campaign. At 31, he insists he feels as sharp as ever, and his preparations suggest a player refusing to ease off.

“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 focus is clear: hit the ground running when Serie A opens against Monza.

“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 deeper defensive core, and a clear target: turn Inter’s defensive wealth into a platform for a serious assault on Europe.