Amorim explains how Milan got out of a hole vs. Lazio: “You can’t play just one half”
By: Oliver Fisher
AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim offered another honest reflection of how his side played in their comeback draw against Lazio.
It was looking very much like being Amorim’s first loss as Milan boss at the break as Lazio – who had won three of three to start the season – led by two goals to nil. Mattia Zaccagni netted the first at the far stick, then Tijjani Noslin bundled in to put the hosts in command.
However, the manager made some inspired changes at the break, one of which almost single-handedly earned a draw. Diego Moreira scored a brace inside three minutes with a volley and a first-time strike to bring the score back to 2-2, which the scoreline would remain.
Amorim’s post-match thoughts
Amorim spoke to DAZN following the final whistle to offer his assessments, after Diego Moreira had given his thoughts to the broadcaster. The coach’s reflections on the game were relayed via MilanNews.
What did you say to the team in the dressing room?
“I heard Gila speak after the match, and I’m really happy with the understanding he showed of the game. In the first half, we just weren’t there. We didn’t have the right energy.
“We lost so many balls without any pressure, simple passes. And then they ran after our defenders, with Lazzari it was easy for them. But then in the second half, it was the opposite. We put energy into it, we were really good with the ball, we controlled the game.
“We were fast when we needed to be fast, we controlled the pace and stopped the game when we needed to. It was a completely different team, a completely different game.
“We managed to bring home a point, but if you look at the game, we have to do better, because you can’t play just one half.”
With this style of play, can Milan handle having Modric?
“We need to be really good with the ball to make Luka feel comfortable in the game. If we turn the game into constant reversals and wild runs, it’s not the type of game for Luka. And that’s why we changed the setup in the second half by bringing on Musah.
“We realised we needed a little more pace in midfield. Furthermore, I think Luka dropped too close to the central defenders, leaving us with just four players to initiate the move and fewer men between the lines.
“We can play with Luka, and we’ve shown it in recent games, but to do that we need to transform the game into a game of possession and control. If we turn it into a running game, it becomes impossible for him.”
Can Moreira perform at his best on the left?
“It depends. Today the space was on the outside, and since he’s left-footed, he opens up the pitch a bit. He’s quick and can make the difference with crosses. On the right flank, Moreira tends to drop back more before crossing.
“It’s a different type of cross, and sometimes it’s better, especially here in Italy where you find well-organised defensive lines. So, with the left foot, sometimes it’s better to have Moreira there.
“But to be honest, I wasn’t thinking about his foot for crossing: I was thinking about his pace and the idea of deploying another winger on the pitch in places where they had three defenders. That was the main idea.”
What are Ramos and the team missing to get on well with him?
“I think we need to spend more time near the penalty area. We spend a lot of time with the ball, but away from it. We need to push the team forward and create even more connections inside the box. Instead, we get there almost exclusively with crosses.
“And sometimes, relying solely on crosses, you can put in as many as you want, but it becomes difficult for the attacker. So we need to have variations in the way we enter the box.
“Sometimes with Pulisic or Cisse cutting into the corner, Ramos can have more opportunities to touch the ball. But Ramos is also destined to improve over the course of the season.”
