Manuel Akanji has set Inter’s standard at the highest level, making clear that last season’s Scudetto and Coppa Italia are not a finish line for Cristian Chivu’s side. The defender wants the Nerazzurri to approach every competition with the intention of winning it, while keeping the collective target ahead of any personal recognition.
Inter’s ambition remains broad
Akanji said he would not be satisfied with repeating the domestic double alone. “I would not sign for only the Scudetto and Coppa Italia again,” he said. “I want to win everything.”
The Swiss international also acknowledged that the Serie A Defender of the Year award would be a welcome individual achievement, but stressed that such a prize is not entirely in his hands. For him, the team remains the central point: he aims to contribute his part to Inter’s results rather than measure the season through personal honours.
Adapting to Chivu’s defensive demands
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Akanji arrived at Inter with greater familiarity in a four-man defence, the structure he has used more often and also knows from the Switzerland national team.
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Moving into Inter’s back three initially required an adjustment, as he described it as a different system from the one to which he was more accustomed.
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He nevertheless believes he can operate in either shape and said the adaptation has not become a problem.
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Whatever the system, Akanji said Inter must enter every tournament aiming to win, with the squad determined to compete for all available trophies.
Recovering from difficult moments
The defender also reflected on Inter’s capacity to respond when matches have turned against them. He pointed to the meeting with Roma as a particularly demanding occasion, crediting the opponents for playing well.
In other matches, Akanji said Inter had made mistakes, but he felt their mentality had repeatedly allowed them to overturn adverse situations. That resilience, rather than any promise of an uncomplicated campaign, is the quality he sees as essential in a side seeking to remain competitive across the season.
Support for Chivu and Stones
Akanji praised Chivu’s work, calling him a great coach and noting that the Inter manager did an excellent job last season. He added that winning is never straightforward, even for a club with Inter’s expectations.
He also welcomed John Stones’ presence at the club. Akanji said Stones is training and that he is looking forward to sharing the pitch with him again, adding another familiar partnership to an Inter squad that is setting its sights beyond a repeat of last year’s Italian silverware.
