The Rossoneri head coach’s comments in his press conference and to the club’s official channels
AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim spoke at his post-match press conference and to the club’s official channels following the Rossoneri’s 3-0 win over Lecce.
Amorim’s post-match press conference after Milan-Lecce 3-0
Is the aim to keep performing like this?
“Of course. We want to dominate in every phase of the game. Juventus were the only team to really dominate us, along with Lazio in the first half. Going forward, we need to be more effective in the way we control games. But our play was more fluid today. It’s only three points, though, and we have to focus on the next games.”
How far along are Milan in their development under you, in percentage terms?
“You’re obsessed with knowing how far along we are! [laughs]. We’re still at the beginning. There’s a lot of work to do. Going from being a team that waits for the game to unfold to one that presses and tries to control it takes time.”
What kind of response are you getting from your players?
“We’re still working towards becoming the best team we can be. We’re learning. Tonight was a positive night. In the future, opponents will understand the way we play better, so we’ll have to be good at adapting and changing.”
Would you have taken the results you’ve picked up in the league so far?
“It’s not bad, but at the same time we look back at some of those games and know we could have done more. Last week, it felt as though we had lost five games rather than simply not won them.
“This project needs time and I’ll give it everything I have. Our intentions are always there; sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. After the international break, we’ll have very little time to prepare for games, so I’ll use the break to study our opponents and also help my players come back from international duty in good shape.”
What did switching to a back four give you?
“The coaches here are very intelligent. I know they expect us to play in a certain way. I learned at Manchester United that I can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. I try to help my players, and tonight was a good night.”
Amorim speaking to Milan’s official channels
“I’m very happy with the team’s performance today. I think there was more fluidity to our play and a lot of commitment. The way we defended right until the final minute, even at 3-0, was very important.
“It’s also important for us to give our fans something to celebrate because they’ve experienced so many great moments in this stadium. They have so many memories here. We want to give them some more moments of joy too.
“I think they saw a team that wants to play good football and wants to win. Sometimes that can bring problems with it, but we’re here to give everything we have to help Milan.
“I’m very pleased with our runs in behind as well. I think we looked dangerous today. Whenever the ball-carrier wasn’t under pressure, Lecce were worried about our movement in behind.
“I thought Chukwueze moved very well. Saelemaekers too, and Pulisic as well in the build-up to the goal. That can help us score more goals.
“Our positioning when we had possession also helped us win the ball back when we lost it. We’re so close to the opposition that it becomes easier for us. If we react well within five seconds, it helps us regain our shape.
“I think Luka did very well in that respect. He controlled the tempo of the game really well. Adrien is improving a lot and gives us a different dimension.
“I think we’re in a good place, but there’s still so much work to do. This game changes nothing. Winning games doesn’t change what we need to do, and there is still a lot to do.”
