Amorim analyses how Milan were able to overpower Inter: “High pressure and low blocking”
AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim refused to be drawn into discussions about the Scudetto, even if he does see improvements from his side.
Milan were in dreamland after 45 minutes of their derby clash against Inter, going in 3-1 up at the break thanks to goals from Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot and Diego Moreira. As it would turn out, that would be enough to win the bragging rights.
It marked a fourth straight win for Milan in the derby and it reduces the gap to the city rivals back down to four points. While there is still work to be done for the Rossoneri, it feels like a big step forward mentally for the squad.
Amorim spoke to Sky after the full-time whistle to reflect on what was a memorable night for him as a head coach and for the team, with his words relayed by MilanNews.
Is this the most important victory of the start of the season?
“It’s important. The atmosphere is fantastic, and you can tell after a match like that, especially on a Wednesday like this. It’s clear, even more so after the defeat against Bologna, we wanted to celebrate even more.
“I’m really proud of what my players did, and with so little rest between matches, and especially once again after Bologna, they really fought for the entire match. I’m really proud.”
A nearly perfect team: do you have anything to complain about? You seemed calmer today…
“I try to read and interpret what the team tells me: from the first minute I had the feeling that we were ready to be competitive. The team has always been focused and calm, and so I always had this confidence.”
Is AC Milan a different Milan with Modric, Rabiot, and Pulisic?
“It’s not just those three players, I think it’s the whole atmosphere, the team’s focus. I like the way everyone plays and expresses themselves. For example, I’d like to talk a little about Pavlović and De Vrij.
“They performed well in every game, especially against such a strong team, even in the penalty area. And then, obviously, players like Rabiot, Pulisic, Moreira… they all did very well. All together, I have to say, we were a better team.”
Why Gila on the right and De Winter in the centre?
“Looking at Inter’s stats, we didn’t know if Dimarco would play. They play and cross a lot from the wings and come to create a lot of density in the box, so I think Pavlović and De Winter are the best for crossing.
“That’s the idea: to match our defenders with their attackers, so everyone can play in slightly different defensive roles.”
How did you manage not to concede anything to Inter in the second half?
“I think the lines were closer together; you could see that throughout the match in terms of high pressure and low blocking. The lines were always close together, so the distances were shorter, which obviously also allowed us to run less and stay fresher throughout the game.
“We were very aggressive on the outside, intercepting many crosses before they were launched, which is very difficult against a team like Inter. We defended well by pressing high up, but we also defended well on the sides. We were more aggressive than we usually are.”
Is the Scudetto possible?
“What Cardinale was saying is that the objective is the Scudetto, but it’s important to win these games to make the fans understand that things won’t change in a month, two months, or a year.
“We have to go through this process: you can’t just hire a new coach, replace all the players, and have a new squad for each new coach; that takes time. Then we’ll need magical nights and evenings, and obviously we’ll need to get through difficulties like Wednesday’s and the joy of tonight.
“I want to say that the situation won’t change overnight; it’s not possible. Is the Scudetto possible? I don’t know when, but we still have to be very honest with the fans, and I know that people aren’t stupid; they understand and know the growth this team and this club are in.”
