Akanji ‘not a big fan’ of hydration breaks, but SoFi Stadium ‘the best I’ve played in’

Inter and Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji admits he’s ‘not a big fan’ of hydration breaks at the World Cup, but says the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is the best he’s ever played in.

Inter defender Akanji, a former Manchester City star, gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport while on international duty with the Switzerland national team at the 2026 World Cup.

Akanji’s side secured one win and one draw in the opening two group stage games.

Akanji opens up about Inter, Chivu, hydration breaks and more

The Swiss defender has just completed his first season at Inter, winning the domestic double at San Siro, lifting the Scudetto and Coppa Italia.

“Inter is a great school, a university that helps you grow in various aspects. I am very grateful to those who wanted me here, and I am happy to stay and win more with this coach,” he said.

Safe to say Akanji has enjoyed working with Cristian Chivu in 2025-26.

“I hadn’t often experienced playing in a back three at club level; it had only happened with the national team. But at Inter, I had to get to know the position much better and work with new teammates,” he said.

“Now I think differently in various game situations. If we were to switch to a back five in the future, I would know exactly what to do.

“Chivu understands players very well because he himself was a top-level footballer and experienced the same situations we are going through now,” Akanji continued.

“Furthermore, he has won many trophies with Inter and knows exactly what the club needs. He is also a very communicative and empathetic coach: he often talks to us players and, importantly, he is willing to listen to us. This is precisely what creates an excellent relationship with all of us.”

Italy were supposed in the same group as Switzerland at the World Cup, but the Azzurri were knocked out by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final.

LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Manuel Akanji of Inter celebrates his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Bosnia lost 4-1 to Switzerland just a few days ago, in a match played at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

“Well, it’s truly fantastic. I told my friends that if we’re talking about the overall experience, this is the best stadium I’ve ever played in,” Akanji said.

“I’ve seen many, but SoFi is incredible. When you enter and look at everything around you, you are impressed and understand why it cost so much. I’m even an NFL enthusiast, but I’m neither a Rams nor a Chargers fan, the teams that play here.

“I support the Atlanta Falcons, and I’ve already been to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia, which is very nice, but it doesn’t reach these levels. However, when it comes to football alone, playing at San Siro is simply unparalleled; it remains an incredible feeling.”

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Manuel Akanji of Internazionale warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Regarding the World Cup, Akanji was asked for his thoughts on the controversial hydration breaks, which seem aimed more at boosting sponsorship revenue than at ensuring players’ health.

“No, I’m not a big fan. I understand the organisational and commercial reasons; I understand that advertising and other activities can be inserted during those breaks,” Akanji said.

“But as a footballer, I think they take away from the match’s rhythm. If a team is struggling, a break can help them by allowing tactical adjustments, and conversely, it can interrupt a favourable moment.”