Amorim and Milan: A Project Under Construction
In his latest interview with Sky Sport, Rúben Amorim gave a clear-eyed and candid assessment of where AC Milan currently stand. The Portuguese manager, who arrived at the Rossoneri bench with the ambition of stamping a recognisable identity on the team, doesn’t mince his words: «This is Amorim’s Milan, yes, but there are still many things missing and I say that without any problem».
An honest admission that, paradoxically, inspires confidence. A coach who sets clear objectives and acknowledges areas for improvement has already done half the work. Milan are progressing — you can see it in their performances — even if consistency remains the most elusive piece of the puzzle.
Dominating the Game: A Stated Objective
«We play well at times, but there is still a lot of work to be done», Amorim added. The Milan head coach wants a side capable of dominating matches consistently, not just in flashes. This reflects the attacking, possession-based philosophy that has defined his career, from Sporting CP to Manchester United, and now to Milanello.
He is well aware that improving and competing at the same time is no easy feat: «There are so many matches to play and win, and we have to improve simultaneously». A double challenge, but one he faces with the right mindset.
Modrić: At 41, He Trains Like a Teenager
One of the most compelling moments of the interview concerns Luka Modrić. The Croatian midfielder, who recently scored for his national team and set a new personal record in the process, remains an invaluable reference point in the Milan dressing room. Amorim speaks about him with genuine admiration: «It’s impossible for a player of that age to maintain the same intensity all the time», before adding: «He trains like a young lad, with enthusiasm and desire. I’m really happy to have him with us».
The management of the Croatian Ballon d’Or winner is therefore deliberate and carefully calibrated. Amorim deploys him intelligently, saving him for key moments, knowing that his presence — even for a handful of minutes — can shift the momentum of a game.
Individual Development: From Pulisic to the Younger Players
The coach then broadened the discussion to the entire squad, stressing that improvement must be collective rather than reliant on a few key men: «We need to improve as a team, to create more chances, and that doesn’t just apply to one player». From Christian Pulisic, the American attacker who has already shown his ability to change games, to the young talents emerging within the club — everyone is expected to contribute.
Amorim is explicit in making no distinctions based on age or playing time: «The main point is to create more opportunities for everyone. It’s a team effort — no single player ever wins a match on their own». A clear message in favour of collective football, where individual brilliance can only truly shine within an organised system.
The International Break: An Opportunity, Not a Problem
On the subject of the international break, Amorim comes across as calm and pragmatic. It isn’t the break itself that concerns him, but rather the relentless pace Milan will need to sustain upon returning: «Whether it’s two or three weeks makes little difference. It’s an opportunity to work with those who need it and to look at other players who might be useful down the line».
The real concern, then, is managing a gruelling fixture schedule with very little recovery time between matches.
Rotation and the Bench: Everyone Must Be Ready
Perhaps the most revealing part of the interview touches on squad rotation. Amorim openly stated that the starting eleven is not always the ideal line-up for a given match: «I will always try to field the best team for each game, while also thinking about what might be needed in the second half. We can’t only think about the starting eleven, especially with just two days’ recovery between fixtures».
A message to the fans, but also a vote of confidence in those who begin on the bench: «Looking at the first five matchdays, every player who came on from the bench made a positive impact. Everyone must be ready and we work towards that every day». Squad depth is, in Amorim’s eyes, not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
