Ahead Of Arsenal Clash, Manuel Akanji Tips This Club As Europe’s Strongest Team

Last Updated:January 20, 2026, 07:55 IST

Inter Milan’s Manuel Akanji claims Bayern Munich are stronger than Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League, disagreeing with coach Cristian Chivu.

Manuel Akanji eyes the ball during the UEFA Champions League first round game between Ajax Amsterdam and Inter Milan (Picture credit: AFP)

Star Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji has said that not Arsenal, but Bayern Munich are the strongest team in Europe, amongst all the teams in the UEFA Champions League this year. He disagreed with his coach’s opinion on the Gunners.

Among the teams best placed to bag progression on matchday seven, Serie A leaders Inter face the stiffest challenge, needing to respond to a defeat to Liverpool as they take on Arsenal, the only team with a 100% record till now.

Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, Inter coach Cristian Chivu lavished praise on the Gunners, describing them as the strongest team in the competition alongside Bayern Munich.

But Akanji didn’t share the same opinion, believing 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 ahead of the Arsenal clash.

The star defender hasn’t been a fan of the Gunners since his days at Manchester City, when he claimed that they were always looking for drama on the field.

“Always when we play against them, that is what they are looking for, the drama. Going hard in the duels, defending with 11 players in their own box and then trying to score from setpieces," Akanji had said in 2024.

However, Chivu’s team can expect no favours from Arsenal at the San Siro on Tuesday, with the Premier League leaders eager to bag a top-eight finish ahead of the final round of league-phase games on January 28.

As the season moves into its final stretch, Chivu said after Saturday’s Serie A victory that he feels his team is starting to grasp the way he wants them to play.

“The desire to learn from this team is remarkable. What we are displaying on the pitch is a testament to the desire of these players, because it isn’t easy to change habits," Chivu said.

News sports football Ahead Of Arsenal Clash, Manuel Akanji Tips This Club As Europe’s Strongest Team

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