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Inter Milan’s Manuel Akanji claims Bayern Munich are stronger than Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League, disagreeing with coach Cristian Chivu.
Manuel Akanji looks at the ball during the UEFA Champions League first round match between Ajax Amsterdam and Inter Milan (Image credit: AFP)
Inter Milan’s star defender, Manuel Akanji, stated that not Arsenal, but Bayern Munich, is the strongest team in Europe, among all the teams in this year’s UEFA Champions League. He did not agree with his manager’s opinion of the Gunners.
Among the teams best positioned to progress on Matchday 7, Serie A leaders Inter face the toughest challenge as they need to respond to a defeat to Liverpool when they face Arsenal, the only team with a 100% record so far.
Speaking to the media before the clash, Inter coach Cristian Chivu praised the Gunners, describing them as the strongest team in the competition alongside Bayern Munich.
But Akanji did not share the same opinion and believed that Bayern Munich were a level above the Gunners.
“Did I say that Arsenal is not the strongest in Europe? Yes. For me, the strongest in Europe is Bayern,” Akanji said before the clash against Arsenal.
The star defender has not been a fan of the Gunners since his days at Manchester City, when he claimed they were always looking for drama on the pitch.
“Always when we play against them, that’s what they look for, drama. Go hard in duels, defend with 11 players in their own area and then try to score from set pieces,” Akanji had said in 2024.
However, Chivu’s side cannot expect any favors from Arsenal at the San Siro on Tuesday as the Premier League leaders are keen to finish in the top eight ahead of the final round of league stage matches on January 28.
As the season heads into its final stretch, Chivu said after Saturday’s Serie A win that he feels his team is starting to understand the way he wants them to play.
“This team’s desire to learn is remarkable. What we are showing on the field is a testament to the desire of these players, because it is not easy to change habits,” Chivu said.
January 20, 2026, 07:55 IST
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