Ruben Amorim says he holds no grudges toward Manchester United, but his mind is on Milan ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium. Can his undivided focus deliver the result?
In Wednesday’s pre‑match briefing, Amorim outlined Milan’s approach to the Cherries, with kickoff set for 20:00 BST tomorrow.
Amorim’s pre‑match press conference ahead of AFC Bournemouth vs. Milan
Together with midfielder Ruben Loftus‑Cheek, the Rossoneri boss fielded questions from Italian and English journalists, touching on injuries, Alphadjo Cissé’s form and his Manchester United past.
Italian reporters led the inquiry, demanding clarity on the lineup and the recent setback involving record signing Gonçalo Ramos.
“Tomorrow we’ll reveal the XI. Ramos is fine, nothing serious. Chukwueze is a bit off‑track; we’ll assess him in the coming days,” Amorim explained.
“Across Europe, clubs juggling multiple competitions grapple with injuries. We’re rotating wisely and prepping every player. Cissé will start, I’ve already said that. The exact role will be decided tomorrow,” he added.
Milan sit on three points after two Europa fixtures, while Bournemouth boast a flawless start with two wins in their maiden European season.
Looking ahead, Amorim stressed, “Every match matters. We’re only in game three but a long road lies ahead.”
“Bournemouth bring pace and transition quality typical of the Premier League. Their speed will test us, so we must adapt on the fly,” he noted.
“I won’t call it decisive for the tournament, but understanding our squad now is crucial for the season ahead. For my money, this insight will shape Milan’s campaign,” he said.
Amorim believes teenage talent Cissé still has ample room to grow despite his recent hat‑trick against Salzburg.
“We must avoid over‑hyping any youngster. The club, not just the coaches, should help them grasp football’s ups and downs,” he advised.
“He’s at the start of his journey, perhaps at 50% of his potential. Versatile and two‑footed, he lacks top‑level experience, so patience is key,” Amorim explained.
“He’s surprising everyone, but the game evolves rapidly. Consistency week‑in‑week‑out will earn him a regular spot,” the coach added.
British journalists pressed him on United. He reiterated his affection for the club but kept the focus squarely on Milan and the Bournemouth tie.
“I’m here as Milan’s coach, and I must respect that role. I have nothing new to say about United – my love for the club remains unchanged,” Amorim stated.
“I’ve moved on to another great institution. AC Milan faces its own challenges, and I’m dedicated to solving them,” he affirmed.
“My priority is my job, my squad, my staff – not past matters at United. My feelings for them stay the same,” Amorim concluded.
He’s met Bournemouth four times before, but those fixtures were under Andoni Iraola, not Marco Rose.
Does he see major tactical differences between the two Bournemouth coaches?
“There are minor tweaks I won’t detail now. The pace and pressing remain similar under Rose, and their scouting, led by Tiago, is impressive,” Amorim replied.
“Identity stays the same – speed and one‑on‑one quality. Player turnover brings nuances, but the test remains valuable, and I’m excited for our squad,” he added.
Asked about youth prospects after Liberali’s move to Como and Bartesaghi’s reduced role, Amorim focused on technical nuances.
“It’s about the details I spot in training. Bartesaghi runs more, Estupiñán defends deeper; we balance those traits for each match,” he said.
“Every game demands different attributes – Moreira featured last time, another may appear against Udinese. We tailor selections accordingly,” he explained.