Inter Milan star player Manuel Akanji thinks Bayern Munich are superior to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League this season. The Manchester City loanee disagreed with his club manager's perspective on the Gunners.
Manuel Akanji backs Bayern Munich over Arsenal
Interacting with the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash, Cristian Chivu appreciated the Gunners, labelling 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:
"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 agree with the opinion, saying 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 big fan of the Gunners since his days at Manchester City, when he said 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 and won three games, while losing two.
Arsenal tops UEFA Champions League table
Arsenal have kicked off the season in a great fashion, winning their first six league fixtures. They remain the only undefeated side in the table and are all but guaranteed a place in the knockout stage.
The Gunners have conceded just once in their six games so far, and face FC Kairat later this month in their final league phase game following the Inter Milan game this week.
The San Siro side are also in a perfect position, sitting sixth in the table with four wins and two defeats from their six games. 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 last season, when they made it to the final.