Arsenal Faces Savage Mind Games Before Make-or-Break Champions League Clash
Inter's defender Manuel Akanji labeled Tuesday's adversaries Arsenal as among Europe's elite teams, though he maintained the Gunners must continue their development before earning recognition as the continent's premier club.
Arsenal are experiencing an exceptionally strong season, maintaining a seven-point advantage in the Premier League championship race and sitting comfortably atop the Champions League table as the sole team to secure victories in all six previous matches this campaign.
Inter will be the next challenge for Arsenal's flawless European record, as the Nerazzurri welcome the Gunners to San Siro on Tuesday. The Italian side currently occupies sixth position and seeks to strengthen their chances for direct qualification. Akanji, temporarily at Inter from Arsenal's league competitors Manchester City, couldn't help but provoke Mikel Arteta's squad ahead of the match.
"I believe Arsenal rank among Europe's finest teams," he stated. "In my opinion, they haven't reached the absolute pinnacle, but they definitely belong with the elite clubs, so this will be an excellent test, though we're prepared."
Inter possess historical advantage, having defeated Arsenal at this tournament stage exactly one year prior. Hakan Çalhanoğlu's spot kick secured the victory in a 1–0 triumph that proved much more challenging for Inter than the final score indicated.
Akanji: Team Performance Can Seal Another Victory
Akanji: Team Performance Can Seal Another Victory
"Comparing to last year proves difficult since I wasn't present," Akanji acknowledged when questioned about the previous season's encounter challenges.
"Arsenal represent a formidable opponent with prolific scoring ability, particularly from dead-ball situations. In European competition, you consistently encounter elite attacking talent: Atlético [Madrid] and Liverpool also possessed exceptional forwards. We must maintain our concentration throughout.
"Precision will be essential. When facing premier opposition, any error risks punishment, though the same principle applies to our opponents. We must demonstrate ruthlessness and accuracy in the final third, while maintaining composure with the ball. The task won't be simple, but collective effort is crucial."
Lastly, Akanji revealed which teams he places above Arsenal in his personal assessment of Europe's best. "In my view, Bayern [Munich] currently stand as Europe's most powerful team," he declared. "Their football is exceptional, they find the net frequently and rarely concede."