Inter Milan star Manuel Akanji believes Bayern Munich are stronger than Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League this season. The Manchester City loanee disagreed with his club manager’s opinion on the Gunners.
Speaking to the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash, Cristian Chivu heaped praise on the Gunners, calling them the strongest team in the competition along with Bayern Munich. He wants his players to focus on the game at San Siro and said (via ArsenalInsider):
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“Arsenal are the strongest team around, together with Bayern. We respect their level and know they will cause us problems. We’re well prepared for this competition. We know our strength. We’ll play with our heads held high and try to win, because that would give us a much better chance of reaching the knockout stage.”
However, Akanji did not share the same opinion, believing Bayern Munich were a level above the Gunners. He said:
“Did I say that Arsenal isn’t the strongest in Europe? Yes. For me, the strongest in Europe is Bayern.”
Akanji 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. He said in 2024:
“Always when we play against them, that’s what they’re looking for, the drama. Going hard in the duels, defending with 11 players in their own box and then trying to score from setpieces. I don’t think there are many better than them at it in Europe. But in the end, we always win the title, and I don’t think it will be different this year.”
Akanji has faced the Gunners seven times in his career and won three games, while losing two.
Arsenal on top of the UEFA Champions League
Arsenal have started the season in fine fashion, winning their first six league matches. They remain the only unbeaten side in the table and are all but guaranteed a place in the knockout stage.
The Gunners have conceded just once in their six matches so far, and face FC Kairat later this month in their final league phase game after the Inter Milan clash this week.
The San Siro side are also in a good position this season, sitting sixth in the table with four wins and two losses from their six matches. They have a chance of finishing in the Top 8 this season, but will not be able to match their tally of 19 points from the previous season, when they made it to the final.
Edited by Sripad
