Pavlovic explains what Amorim wants from the defenders in ‘tough’ Torino clash

Ahead of AC Milan’s first game of the season, taking on Torino away from home, Strahinja Pavlovic spoke to the media.

Milan need to start their season with a win to build some momentum under their new head coach Ruben Amorim. However, in the last 13 years, the Rossoneri have only won this fixture twice and Ignazio Abate is also the opposing manager.

Speaking to DAZN just a few minutes ago, as transcribed by MilanNews, Strahinja Pavlovic shared his thoughts on the game and the style of Amorim. The Serbian is playing from start in the three-man backline, as you would expect.

What is Amorim’s Milan like so far?

“We are starting tonight and we are ready. We want to demonstrate everything that the coach has asked of us. We are playing against a tough team, so we have to be very careful. We want to start with three points, that’s very important for us.

Are you ready to play with a high defence line?

“With the new coach, things are different than last year. We are playing with a high line. We’ll see how it will go (laughs).”

What is Amorim asking of you in particular?

“I’ve spoken a lot with him. He wants a defender who plays with the ball and a team that keeps possession for 90 minutes. We have to keep possession if we want to win.”

Alongside Pavlovic, Mario Gila and Koni De Winter are playing. It was first reported that Matteo Gabbia would be fully fit for this one, but seeing as he’s on the bench, you have to assume that Amorim didn’t want to risk him from start.