Manuel Akanji, Inter defender, expressed optimism and caution before the match against Brugge in the Champions League, speaking to Sky Sport. With the Nerazzurri looking for their first success after their debut defeat at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid, Akanji underlined that the team is in good shape: "I'm fine. We played a good game over the weekend and after the defeat in the first game we now have the chance to win in front of our fans."
In his speech, the coach also analyzed his Belgian rival. “Brugge are an excellent team, we will have to be careful, but we will give our best in front of our fans.” Akanji added that the club has numerous quality players and that preparation must focus on countering Brugge's attackers, who are considered very strong. "We haven't fully analyzed it yet, we have to understand what we did well and less well against Parma and prepare for tomorrow's match. We must not leave space for their attackers," he specified.
Furthermore, Akanji mentioned his recent conversation with German striker Julian Sommer. "Yes, I spoke to him two days ago. I can't wait to see him again because he won't be joining the national team anymore after his retirement in 2024." The coach expressed enthusiasm for the return of Sommer, who played in the past for both Inter and the Swiss national team.
Regarding the management of the season, Akanji commented on the increasing complexity of the calendar. "It gets more complicated every year, as there are so many games. The break isn't that long, we only have three weeks of holidays and 49 of football. We've done well at the start of the season, I'm used to playing at this level." His main objective in the Champions League remains qualifying among the top eight, with the aim of avoiding the playoffs and concentrating on Serie A.
With the match against Brugge set for tomorrow, Inter aims to consolidate their position in the Champions League and maintain their form in Serie A. The team, led by Akanji, is preparing to take on a high-level opponent, with the aim of turning the season into a success on multiple fronts.