John Stones' Transition to Inter: Insights from Manuel Akanji
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 a new shirt or a new city. It is a tactical shock to the system, and John Stones is walking straight into one of the most demanding structures in Europe under Cristian Chivu.
He has already left a mark, scoring in a pre-season friendly against Real Betis, but the real test is only just beginning. Inter’s defensive shape is a world away from the back four he knew at Manchester City, and Manuel Akanji knows that better than most.
From back four to Inter’s chessboard
“Physically, you come from the Premier League already very well-prepared. Tactically, however, it’s different,” Akanji told La Gazzetta dello Sport, laying out the challenge without dressing it up.
“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.”
That help is already in place. Akanji has effectively taken charge of Stones’ landing at Appiano Gentile, stepping into the role of guide, translator and sounding board as his former City teammate learns a new league, a new language and a new way of defending.
The two built a strong bond in England. Now that understanding is being repurposed in the black and blue of Inter.
Ibiza coincidence, Milan reality
Their reunion did not start on the training pitch or in the dressing room, 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,” 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.”
From there, the integration began in earnest. Not with tactics boards, but with the basics of a new life.
“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.”
Stones’ adaptation will not happen in isolation. Inter’s defensive unit has been reinforced again, and the internal standards are being raised.
Pavard returns, competition tightens
Inter have loaded up at the back. The return of Benjamin Pavard from his loan at Marseille adds another high-level option to a department already packed with experience and quality.
For Akanji, this is not a complication. 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: nobody is guaranteed anything. Not Stones, not Pavard, not even the established pillars. Places will be won and lost on the training ground long before the Champions League anthem plays.
New season, new look, same drive
Akanji has used the summer to reset. Not just mentally, but visually. The 31-year-old will start the season with a new hairstyle and, more importantly, the feeling that his body is exactly where it needs to be.
“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 is now to Monza and the opening day of Serie A. No easing in, no soft launch.
“Now I can’t wait to get serious with Monza: another season is a new beginning,” he concluded.
For Stones, that new beginning means learning a new defensive language. For Inter, it might be the final step they need to turn one of Europe’s strongest backlines into a Champions League-winning one.
