Amorim discusses ‘attitude’ vs. Lazio, use of Modric, Benfica’s threat and UEL ambitions
AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim responded to some intriguing questions from journalists ahead of the Benfica game.
Milan will begin their 2026-27 European campaign with perhaps their toughest test on paper, at home against Benfica. The Portuguese giants are one of the pre-tournament favourites and have won five of six league games under Marco Silva, scoring 21 goals in the process.
The Rossoneri haven’t started their Serie A campaign too badly either, although they come into the game off the back of consecutive away draws against Juventus and most recently Lazio. There is already a four-point gap to the top, but for now the focus is all on continental competition.
Amorim’s pre-Benfica presser
Amorim spoke to the reporters who gathered at Milanello for his pre-match press conference on the eve of the game, and his words have been transcribed by MilanNews.
Milan vs. Benfica feels like the Champions League. It’s a fascinating match.
“It’s a crucial opportunity, it’s the first match of the Europa League. We can’t wait to get started. We know about the two Champions League finals.
“Rui Costa is the president of Benfica but he’s an important figure for Benfica. I also have a past at Benfica, but I’m here to win. It’s a special match because it’s the first of the Europa League.”
In 2025, you reached the final with United. You know the competition. What’s the goal? At least reach the final?
“We’re talking about a competition, and the goal is obviously to win. Our goal is to get to the final. There are many competitive teams: the difference is being able to count on a squad worthy of the name.
“If you’re motivated, I think you can win any competition and match, remembering that the goal is only one: to win.”
After Lazio-Milan, what thoughts did you have on tomorrow’s line-up?
“Against Lazio, there was a change in attitude from one half to the next: I made my assessments, it’s not just about two or three names, but there was a different attitude. We played completely differently in the second half, but I don’t like to focus on individuals.
“I think it wasn’t just the substitutions that transformed the team, but the fact that many players who came on in the first half played much better in the second half. I think it’s more a question of team dynamics and energy than the substitution of two or three players.
“Obviously, you can always think: ‘We finished the match playing well, so we’ll field the same eleven in the next match.’ I’m not like that. There was a change in overall attitude.
“We also have to consider that these are weeks where we have to manage multiple matches, so we’re thinking not just about Benfica, but also about Lecce. In any case, against Lazio it was a question of attitude.”
There was talk in recent months about the possibility of you coaching Benfica…
“I had clear ideas. There was the possibility of returning to work in Portugal, but I decided against it. If I had received a call from a Portuguese club, I would have said no.
“Then AC Milan called me and I couldn’t say no. I wasn’t going back to Portugal. I chose Milan and I’m happy with this important decision.”
What role should Modric have? He came off at half-time in Rome…
“To make Luka feel comfortable in a match, we need to have long periods of possession. I can think of maybe seven poor passes without any pressure, where we lost the ball and turned the game into a constant race. And that’s not the type of game Luka should play.
“Therefore, to field a player like Luka, because we want him in certain situations and in certain matches, we need someone who can think very well with the ball at his feet. That’s the idea when Luka plays.
“However, we could also note – and it’s funny how everyone has a definitive opinion on players week after week – that just a week ago, against Juventus, people were saying that Moreira wasn’t ready, that he had played poorly and couldn’t do anything.
“A week later, we’re saying that Moreira is Milan’s hero. That’s football. I won’t jump to conclusions about Luka’s performance. First of all, because he’s already won the Ballon d’Or and I know his value, and then I know that every match has its own story.
“I don’t know if he’ll play tomorrow, but Luka He’s an important player in our team who will help us throughout the season. So I don’t make definitive judgments about players from week to week: I know their value and try to manage each of them in their moment.”
Could Hutchinson get his first start?
“He’s ready to play. He can start from the first minute. We’ll see tomorrow. I don’t want to reveal the starting eleven because Marco [Silva] is definitely watching the conference and is very intelligent, so he’s an option.
“I won’t say anything else about the starting eleven, but Hutchinson is capable and can be drafted.”
Are you following what Marco Silva’s Benfica are doing? Can they win the Europa League?
“Benfica can win any match because they have a great coach and the players to do so. What I said in Portugal, I say the same here in Italy.
“I think Portuguese clubs are sometimes given a responsibility they shouldn’t have, because they don’t have the same conditions as other clubs, and specifically, Italian clubs.
“And with this I’m placing even more responsibility on my side, but that’s what I’ve always said in Portugal and that’s what I’m saying now. However, looking at the coach, looking at the team, and the rotation that can sometimes be done in the Portuguese league, it’s possible if everything goes well.
“I see a Benfica that is clearly very strong, with a very clear identity and fully capable of winning the league. As for the Europa League, however, we must understand that the main responsibility cannot fall on Portuguese clubs.
“I know how people sometimes talk about Portuguese teams in Portugal, claiming they have to win every match in Europe; so I certainly won’t be the one to put that pressure on Marco Silva. It’s a team that can clearly win, because teams have already done so in the past.
“The Portuguese have shown they can go far, just like us. Obviously, I look at my team, I see other strong English teams, I don’t know how our season will go, but I also see us with a certain responsibility to go far in the Europa League.
“Therefore, this is my answer: they are capable of winning, they have the coach and the players to do it, and they can rotate in the league. I don’t think they should have this burden, because Portuguese clubs already do so much, sometimes with much less than others.
“I miss Portugal, yes, but now I’m here and I plan to stay for several years. I can say that Milan is my second home.”
After the Lazio match, you said you’re not crazy. So, do you understand the difference between the starters and the other players?
“Every coach has a general idea of what their team’s starting eleven should be. But then the problem we’re talking about arises.
“In my experience – and it happened twice, the first time as a player when we reached the point of competing in the league, the Europa League, and cup competitions, the second time a little less so – it’s impossible to think of winning competitions by relying on just 11 or 14 players.
“Consequently, I find it difficult to say we have a starting eleven. The idea isn’t to have a fixed starting eleven, but a precise identity in which all the players can play without the team losing too much quality.
“Of course, I have an idea of which players to want in certain matches, but times change quickly. If you think about it for a moment and be honest in your assessments: who would have ever thought that Musah would be the starter and Luka Modric the problem? No one.
“The situation has changed because the last few matches have shown this. In modern football, the concept of a starting eleven is difficult to grasp, because I believe you really need an entire group, an entire squad. to win trophies.
“Naturally, for certain matches, I’m starting to understand what kind of player I need and what formation to field. I have a clearer idea of the squad, but the dynamics change throughout the year, and that’s a good thing.”
