Milan’s coach Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that he made numerous mistakes during his time at Manchester United, stating it “wasn’t solely their fault.” He is determined to elevate the Rossoneri to a new level and has not ruled out the possibility of Rafael Leao‘s departure.
Speaking to the media in Perth, Australia, where Milan has arrived to participate in a friendly tournament alongside Inter and Serie B team Palermo, Amorim addressed the press for the second time since his introduction earlier this month.
“They brought me on board because they believed I align with the style of play they want,” he stated. “They are looking for that playing philosophy, but I think they also valued my experiences—both successes and setbacks—from my time at Manchester United and the insights I provided during discussions with Mr. Cardinale.”
“They recognized my readiness for this role, not just due to past achievements, but also from my learned lessons. I believe that was significant in our conversations.”
Ruben Amorim was seen prior to a pre-season friendly between Celtic and Milan at Celtic Park (via www.acmilan.com)
Amorim reflected on his experiences at Manchester United, explaining, “The past is in the past. There’s a history, things change and you focus on the next challenge. I’ve learned a lot.” He continued, “It’s difficult to pinpoint one single factor, but what I know is that I’ve made many mistakes. Acknowledging that it wasn’t solely their fault, along with taking responsibility for my actions, has helped me become a better coach and person.”
Discussing his time at Milan, he mentioned, “The coaching role at Milan comes with its own expectations. My staff has reminded me that this environment is different, and I need to present myself accordingly. Milan is a fashionable city, and I aim to represent that well. We must honor our club’s history, which not only involves winning but also how we conduct ourselves as representatives of the city. I’m committed to doing that.”
He added, “I felt privileged to manage Manchester United, but my focus is now on Milan. I’ve connected with club legends like Massaro and Baresi to understand the essence and legacy of this club,” Amorim explained.
“This role feels more natural for me since I’ve been a Milan supporter since childhood. I understand the club’s culture and history, but that is now behind us. Our aim is to forge a new future. They selected me for a reason, one being my ability to navigate challenges, and while it’s daunting, we want to rebuild something fruitful. We’re in a solid position organizationally, and if this is my ultimate coaching destination, it’s a dream come true.”
Milan has recently confirmed Luka Modric‘s contract extension until 2027.
Referring to the experienced midfielder, Amorim remarked, “Last season showed he can still compete at the highest level. He performed admirably both in the league and during the World Cup.” He emphasized, “Experience is crucial as we introduce young talents to the squad. It’s vital to provide them with experienced players around them. We’ve worked hard to ensure Luka remains with us, and I believe he’s satisfied. Players aspire to join a club like ours, so we need to elevate our performance to achieve that next level.”
Lastly, Amorim addressed speculation regarding Rafael Leao, who has attracted interest from Turkish clubs, especially Fenerbahce.
Amorim stated, “The situation is straightforward. The team takes precedence. I plan to communicate with Rafa, Ramos, Saelemaekers, and all players returning from the World Cup.” He emphasized, “They all understand the significance of playing for this club. While there is much speculation around our players, they remain a part of our team until changes occur. Our immediate focus is on preparing for the first match. Every player will train hard and compete for their position. That is a certainty. I customize my approach to each player as individuals, but ultimately, the rules apply to everyone. We must keep things simple, train hard, engage with the community, and prepare for the season ahead.”