Amorim discusses injuries, Cisse’s role, past at Man Utd and Bournemouth’s qualities
AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim believes his side face a very tough test on Thursday night against a fast Bournemouth side full of quality.
Thursday night’s game marks a return to England for Amorim, who was Manchester United manager for 63 games before his sacking in January of this year. In his three meetings with Bournemouth the Portuguese coach never came out on top, drawing twice and losing once.
However, a lot has changed in a few months. Amorim is unbeaten in seven league games so far with Milan, while in the Europa League his side bounced back from a 2-0 defeat to Benfica by routing RB Salzburg 4-0 last week.
The 3-2 win over Atalanta at San Siro certainly helped the momentum, though the way the Rossoneri nearly threw away a three-goal lead caused some concerns too. A further blow comes in the form of injuries to Samuel Chukwueze and Goncalo Ramos on the eve of the trip.
Amorim meets the English media again
Amorim spoke to the reporters who gathered at the Vitality Stadium for his press conference the day before the game on the south coast. MilanNews relayed the questions and the responses from the coach, who sat alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Can you give us a report on the injuries? Will Cisse be replacing Ramos?
“We’ll see the starting eleven tomorrow. Gonçalo isn’t terribly injured, but Chukwueze’s situation is different, and we’ll evaluate it. Generally, all European teams have injury problems, which is why we rotate. Cisse will play, but you’ll find out his position tomorrow.”
You face a key opponent tomorrow. Will it be a decisive match?
“I don’t know. Every game will be decisive. We’re in the third round and there’s still a lot to play for. We’ll be facing a team with a different quality. They have a certain pace, they’re known for their speed and quality in transitions.
“It will be a different game; we’ll have to be ready to follow their rhythm. It won’t be decisive, but it will be important to understand the level and moment of our team.”
What potential does Cisse have? How far can he go?
“The first thing is not to exaggerate the situation and put pressure on the younger players. I’m talking about us as a club: we need to help the younger players understand that football is a rollercoaster. He’s at the beginning of something, we’re at 50% of his potential.
“There are things he’s not doing at a high level yet, but let’s give him time: we need to understand that football changes rapidly. We need to work hard during the week and then there will be more and more space for him in the team. But I repeat, he’s only at 50% of his potential.”
How do you rate your time at United?
“Overall, I think the important thing is that I’m here as AC Milan’s manager. I have nothing to say about United. I can say that I loved the club and the atmosphere: what happened doesn’t change that.
“Then I moved on, now I’m at Milan and I’m focused on this: at every big club, problems are always around the corner. I focus on ourselves and I don’t think about the teams. My past at United doesn’t matter. What I said when I signed there remains the same.”
On Bournemouth: how have they changed since you were in England?
“There are some new details with Rose. But I see the same pace, the same pressing: it’s Rose’s identity. They have quality in one-on-one situations and have signed many strong new players on the market.
“There are obviously different things, but their identity lies in quality, pace, and speed. It’s a test for us, I’m happy to see the players on the pitch, even if they rotate.”
Now that you’re back in England, do you feel different?
“First of all, I want to say that Loftus is a talented guy; the problem is in his mind. He needs to make this step forward, and he’s still young; he’s got a very long career ahead of him. He can play for the national team.
“About me: I have more experience as a coach, but I’m not a different person. I understand football better, and that will help me deal with problems in the future. I think I’m the same person, just a little more experienced in some things.”
What makes you choose Estupinan over Bartesaghi?
“These are technical things, which I see in training. But not how they train. Bartesaghi is a runner, Estupinan is a player who combines and creates balance.
“They are alternating. Tomorrow you will see one and in Udine the other. It depends on the characteristics we want on the pitch, in any case both must be ready to play.”
Did you take Rabiot’s words as a starting point to speak to the team these days?
“Every match is different. We can’t say we’ll improve on anything from the previous match in the next game. After the 3-1, we had possession: we need to improve some technical and tactical aspects. It will help us control the game.
“Tomorrow we have nothing to prove compared to the previous match: we have to try to win in this important competition for us. And if we don’t have any more injuries, it will be even better.”
