Amorim discusses concerning schedule, upcoming rotation and No.9 position: “Create more”
Ruben Amorim has shared his thoughts on the long international break, the Ramos-Camarda battle up front, the management of Modric and more in a recent interview.
We are approaching the end of what has been a very long internatonal break, commencing on September 21, as the players are expected to return to Milanello in the middle of next week. That then leaves a few days to properly prepare for the Sassuolo clash on October 11.
Amorim has been working with the players who weren’t called up for international duty this week, even playing a friendly against Padova yesterday. Given the more relaxed schedule, he has also had time for an interview with Sky Sport Insider.
In addition to the international break, he shared his thoughts on the battle between Goncalo Ramos and Francesco Camarda up front, as well as the management of Luka Modric. There were certainly some interesting replies from the gaffer.
On the international break…
“It’s not a concern, because we have to adapt to what’s happening in our world, and there’s not much we can do. Three or two weeks doesn’t change much. We have time to work with some players who need it, and the opportunity to see others who could help us in the future.
“If there’s a real concern, it’s not about the three-week break: it’s about the number of games we have ahead of us from now on. That worries me the most, along with the pace we will have to maintain.”
On how Modric is managed…
“I’m trying to manage him in the best way for the team. Luka is playing some games for Croatia and is resting in others, because it’s impossible for a player of that age to always play at that intensity. It will be similar with us; we have to be smart.
“The only thing I can say is that Luka trains like a kid, with a desire and enthusiasm that pleases everyone. He loves football, he loves being on the pitch, and that’s essential for us. I’m really happy to have him in the group.”
On Ramos and Camarda…
“I think we need to improve as a team to create more chances, but it’s not just about the two of them. I don’t differentiate between players, regardless of age or playing time.
“Ramos, if you watch every game carefully, has already had some interesting situations, and he’s also doing well for the national team: his last goal against Denmark decided the match. He’s proving his worth.
“My main concern is to create more chances for everyone: for Pulisic, for Camarda, for Cissè. It’s a team effort.”
On where Milan are at in the Amorim process…
“There are many things missing, and I say that without hesitation. We’re trying to dominate the game more consistently, we play well at times, but we still have a lot to do. I don’t like hearing people talk about this as Amorim’s Milan: Milan is Milan, it has a history and an identity that goes beyond the name of a coach.
On how he will manage the squad in the coming weeks…
“I’ll always try to field the best lineup for each match, also taking into account what might be needed in the second half. Looking at these first five games, it’s already clear that all the players who came off the bench have had a positive impact.
“We can’t just focus on the starting eleven. And with two days between games, it’s impossible to always rely on the same players: we all have to be ready, and we work on that every day.”
