A result that hurts: Milan fall 0-2 to Ferencváros
San Siro was once again the stage for a tough evening for AC Milan. The Rossoneri were beaten 0-2 by Ferencváros in the Europa League — a setback that resonates not only for the scoreline, but for the manner in which it unfolded. Credit where it’s due: the Hungarian side delivered an excellent performance, arriving in Milan with a sharp tactical structure and backing it up with their fourth win in four Europa League matches. Milan, by contrast, produced one of their flattest displays of the season.
What makes this result particularly difficult to process is the context. In the second half, with the score still at 0-0, Milan had six or seven first-choice players on the pitch: Christian Pulisic, Diego Moreira, Mario Gila, Gonçalo Ramos, Adrien Rabiot and Koni De Winter. Yet the team conceded twice and never truly threatened. This is not a question of squad depth or rotation — it is a question of mental attitude.
Amorim pulls no punches: «We weren’t ready»
Rúben Amorim did not mince his words after the final whistle. The Portuguese manager addressed the press with the frustration of a man who expected far more, delivering a clear and uncompromising verdict: «When you play for Milan you have a responsibility and you can’t show up like this. We weren’t ready to play tonight. Don’t talk to me about tactics — we showed we were not ready.»
Powerful words, which expose a visible gap between the manager’s intentions — he had called for a reaction after the Bournemouth defeat — and what his players produced on the pitch. Amorim also stated: «We are not ready to compete on two fronts», a declaration that inevitably raises questions about summer transfer decisions and squad management.
After the final whistle, there was reportedly a heated exchange in the dressing room, with the manager making his displeasure clear and spelling out exactly why the performance was unacceptable. A strong signal that something in the group is not working as it should.
The attitude problem: Milan switch off after the derby
A worrying pattern has emerged in recent weeks: Milan lost both the game before the derby (against Bologna) and the one after it (against Ferencváros). The stunning 3-1 derby victory over Inter appears to have drained the squad’s physical and mental resources, leaving them unable to sustain the same intensity across three consecutive fixtures.
This is a deep-rooted mentality issue that goes beyond any single result. A top club must be capable of staying focused and competitive across every competition, regardless of how important a particular game is perceived to be. The Europa League, even if it isn’t the primary target this season, remains a European stage that Milan has the sporting and reputational duty to take seriously.
Pavlović and the value of sacrifice: a model for the squad
Amid an evening to forget, one positive note came from Strahinja Pavlović. The Serbian defender played through a shoulder problem, giving everything he had even when the manager would have preferred to spare him. His commitment and professionalism should serve as a benchmark for the entire group.
On the other end of the spectrum, some individual errors — most notably Koni De Winter’s misplaced back-pass that directly led to the 2-0 goal — raised serious questions about the concentration and decision-making of those on the pitch.
Europa League standings: the mission is tough but not impossible
With just three points from four games, Milan’s Europa League position is delicate but not yet irreparable. The estimated threshold to reach the playoffs sits at around ten points, meaning the Rossoneri need at least two wins and a draw from their remaining four matches. It’s a demanding ask, but well within the capabilities of a squad that, when switched on, can play at the very highest level — as proven in the derby.
The real question is not whether Milan can do it, but whether they truly want to. The answer must come from the pitch, not from press conferences. Amorim has done his part — he has demanded, criticised and pushed. Now it is up to the players to respond with the same fire and pride shown in the derby.
Milan is a historic club whose legacy in Europe speaks for itself. This difficult moment can and must become the turning point for rediscovering that winning mentality which has always defined the Rossoneri on the continental stage. The path forward is clear — all it takes is the will to walk it.
