Amorim’s Press Conference: Clarity, Ambition and Belief Ahead of the Derby
On the eve of the Milan derby, Rúben Amorim stepped up to the Milanello press room with a sharp message: the squad has rediscovered the right mindset, and the Portuguese coach believes deeply in the path he is building at AC Milan. Owner Gerry Cardinale was also present, underlining the ownership’s closeness to the team at a crucial moment in the season.
“I Know What Project I’m Building”
When pressed on the comparison with Simone Inzaghi, the Milan head coach responded with composure: “I don’t feel any envy — and not out of arrogance. I knew exactly what project I was walking into.” Amorim drew a parallel between Milan’s current situation and his experience at Manchester United: two clubs with extraordinary histories and global prestige, but both going through a rebuilding phase, far from the peaks of their domestic leagues and Champions League football. A challenge that, by all accounts, attracted and motivated him.
The Objective Is to Win — No Step Back on Ambition
Amorim was equally clear on the subject of targets. He stressed that Milan must always begin every season with the aim of winning the Scudetto. He acknowledged, however, that the start of the campaign had not been good enough — too many draws and defeats leaving the squad behind the pace. “We have to be honest with the fans — we’re behind, but we need to start picking up points.” A candid assessment, but one that never loses sight of the ambition embedded in the Rossoneri DNA.
Cardinale also addressed the room, dropping a Top Gun reference about the role of a wingman during tough stretches of a journey, while reaffirming his confidence ahead of the derby. The owner expressed optimism, while acknowledging that every game is worth three points and that Inter are a top-level opponent.
Injuries Are Not the Staff’s Fault
The high number of injuries affecting the squad has been a hot topic among supporters. Amorim was keen to set the record straight: “It’s not the fault of the preparation or the medical staff.” He admitted that, looking back, he would still have preferred to work with a leaner squad, but reality has forced a rethink: with fixtures every three days and the physical and mental demands of such a packed schedule, having greater squad depth has become essential. A clear and targeted reinforcement is planned for January.
Three Returns for the Derby: Gila, Moreira and Rabiot Available
On the team news front, Amorim confirmed the return of the three players who missed the match against Bologna: Mario Gila, Diego Moreira and Adrien Rabiot, all expected to start. The likely XI sees Mike Maignan in goal, a back four of Gila, Strahinja Pavlović, Koni De Winter and Pervis Estupiñán (with Davide Bartesaghi also in contention on the left), midfield trio of Luka Modrić, Yunus Musah and Rabiot, with Omari Hutchinson and Christian Pulisic operating in the wider attacking positions behind striker Gonçalo Ramos.
Managing the Game: the 60th–75th Minute Problem
A tactical talking point also surfaced: Milan have frequently conceded goals in the 60th-to-75th-minute window, which coincides with Amorim’s substitution phase, while Inter are known to start slowly before building into games. Amorim acknowledged that managing the full ninety minutes must improve: “Sometimes we start poorly and get better as the game goes on, as we did against Lazio. We need a more consistent level throughout.” The derby will be a key test of how much has been learned.
“I’ve Seen the Right Mentality Today”
Amorim closed on an upbeat note: “Until yesterday I was very angry about the defeat — you could see that. But today I’ve seen them with the right mentality to face Inter.” A statement that speaks volumes: the group is united, motivated and hungry. The derby is almost here, and Milan are arriving with the drive of a team desperate to respond.
