Amorim attempts to explain Milan’s breakdown against Bologna: “I could tell right from the start”

AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim believes that ‘fatigue’ set in, which was one of the factors behind the collapse against Bologna.

Milan started the game badly on the night with Samuel Mbangula putting Bologna 1-0 up, but Alphadjo Cisse scored twice in relatively quick succession to put the Rossoneri in front going into the break, so it looked like the game was in hand.

What followed in the second half was a total catastrophe. An own-goal drew Raffaele Palladino’s side level, then two minutes later they led again with Mbangula scoring, and the Belgian got his hat-trick late on to secure a quite remarkable 4-2 win.

Amorim spoke to DAZN after the full-time whistle to give his take on what was a rollercoaster night for his side, one that sadly ended with a big drop from which Milan did not recover. MilanNews relayed his words.

You seemed to be in control. Then what happened?

“So many games, so many players out, a bit of fatigue set in. We even had a chance to equalise with Camarda, but we didn’t manage it.”

The derby is on Saturday…

“Tomorrow we’ll figure out who will be playing and how to prepare for the match. Tomori had a problem and will need to be evaluated. We’ll make all the necessary assessments and prepare as best we can, even though we don’t have much time.”

Okay, there are injuries, but his Milan team has lacked consistency from the start…

“I didn’t say we lost because of injuries. I think we lacked energy, and since we can’t rotate as often, it’s difficult for us to consistently press and play our football. When we stop playing our football, we suffer.

“And a coach who’s been in charge for two months can’t expect the whole team to play a different game for ninety minutes, and that’s something you should understand.”

How do you rate your team’s performance?

“I could tell right from the start that they were lacking a bit of energy. We’ll try to be ready for the derby. Some mistakes came from a lack of energy.”

How do you prepare for a match like the derby?

“Obviously, we’ll try to win the next game. I’m not here to make excuses; I want a team that’s always improving, and I’m convinced we can do that. We’re Milan, and we always have to win.

“When you lose, there’s no point in talking about your performance. We’ll immediately focus on the next game and do our best.”