Ruben Amorim, alongside Gerry Cardinale, spoke to the media in a press conference at Milanello.
Here are his words:
"I want to apologise because today I'm not speaking Italian. I'm sorry for the fans. It's very important to me to learn Italian as a sign of respect for your culture, and I'll try to do so as soon as possible. It's an honour to be here, and I'm absolutely delighted. I can feel that this is a city of people who follow and support us. I love Milanello; it's something extraordinary. Some people tell me it's a bit old, but absolutely not. It has everything. The staff are outstanding, and I couldn't be happier. It's a great pleasure to be here."
What memories do you have of the great AC Milan teams of the past?
"First of all, Gerry rightly said that we want to play football, not just press (laughs). The quality of our football is fundamental. I have very strong memories of Ancelotti, and especially of Arrigo Sacchi and his innovative style. I also remember Capello and his incredible 'Invincibles' side. Milan's history isn't just about the team itself but about all the great players as well, like Van Basten, Gullit... But when people talk about Milan, they mean the club as a whole. The people are the most important thing. I've followed Milan since I was young. I remember the final against Benfica... That team was a family, and this one is a family too. I feel the responsibility of being here. This is a league where it's very difficult to win. We're here not to avoid losing, but to win. It's a wonderful challenge."
Why Gonçalo Ramos, who is now the most expesnive signing of AC Milan? And what about Rafael Leão?
"I don't want to talk about individual players. It's not for me to say why he was chosen. I look at the team and at teamwork, and then I enjoy watching the players. We don't just look at names; we look at profiles. We do scouting and examine what's behind the player. I really like Gonçalo. You saw him against Croatia: surrounded by three defenders, he still scored. That's a situation you often see in Italy as well. People only look at talent, whereas I see the player as a whole. It's about seeing him play properly within the team. Just watch Gonçalo play for five minutes. For me, he sends a message: it means we believe in the group and in the team. His arrival happened very quickly. Leão played very well at the World Cup, but I'm happy with the whole squad overall."
With all these changes, do you feel able to give a positive message like you have in the past?
"Yes, absolutely. It's difficult. But be careful: saying something is one thing, doing it is another. I know very well that this is a challenge. It's always more than just a phrase or a slogan: it means becoming part of the history of someone or something iconic. That's exactly the kind of challenge I like to take on. I'm happy. I'll be happy knowing I tried, even if that effort doesn't lead to outstanding results. Right now, I'm hungry for success. I believe in Milan. We need to understand the characteristics of Italian football thoroughly. We observe many things, I try to compare ideas with others frequently and keep learning. When I said those words in the past, I believed them, and I still believe them today."
Is the objective to win the second star? Amorim replied:
"When you put yourself on the line and challenge yourself, then you have to try to win as much as possible. Of course we want to win the second star. I know it will be difficult; there are a thousand variables. The biggest challenge? It's hard to say right now. Our main objective at the moment is to dominate the league. Everything else will follow."
Amorim on Luka Modric:
"I spoke with Modric twice He is a key point for us especially to have more possession. I know that the board spoke with him, I spoke with him too. I hope to have him soon."
On Christian Pulisic:
"A really talented player. I have a clear idea where I want him to play: with the right foot on the left side. but also on the other side... I believe in him. He will be supported in our club. We believe a lot in him. We want to recover him from the last injury, and we have a clear plan for him to use all his qualities."
Amorim also said:
"The main issue is having the players available. Some are at the World Cup and others still have to go on holiday. In any case, I am very calm. I have knowledge of the players, but I need to see them in training. Rather than setting a deadline for the transfer market, I want to coach my players. We will be able to be competitive even with the current squad."
What is the difference between playing not to lose and playing to win?
"(Laughs, ed.). I can tell you the way I want us to play. I have enormous respect for Allegri; he has a huge amount of experience. I don't want to talk about the past, but I can tell you the way I want to play: we have to dominate the opponent and defend well. Every coach has their own unique ideas. I also have to adapt a little; when I see the players, I will refine my ideas. I want to entertain, to make the fans enjoy themselves, to play football that is beautiful to watch. It takes a little time for the engine to get going. But when you want to win, you have these responsibilities: managing big clubs brings those responsibilities. A drop in energy and concentration means losing. We want to win and dominate the game."
How many signings do you think are needed to play your style? Can you reassess Chukwueze and Saelemaekers?
"There are some players who were not here last year. Chukwueze will remain with us; we need players who can beat opponents one-on-one. Saelemaekers can play on the right and on the left, and he likes taking players on. Cissé and Comotto will start with us; I don't know what will happen. We will find new players who were not here last year. If they play well, if they absorb my ideas, then we will find a place for them: before looking outside, we need to look carefully within. After pre-season we will make decisions, but always with attention to the budget. The owner is here... We will assess the young players. Chukwueze has great qualities and gives us alternatives."
What mistakes must you absolutely avoid repeating at Milan? What did your experience at Manchester teach you?
"The first thing is that it is difficult to explain mistakes; I would have to explain the context. I have learned, I have learned a great deal. I made mistakes, but I am proud to have been at United. But now it is a different story. There are many things I can do well; I have gained experience. I think everyone learns based on their own experiences. There are things I would like to change, and then there are things that never change. I will certainly be a better coach."
Amorim added:
"I have huge respect for Allegri. I will not talk of the past. The way we want to play is with the ball, and dominate. We have different ideas, which is normal... We want to recover the ball quickly and entertain the fans. When you coach a big team, you cannot run away from the fact that you need to win and that a draw is like losing."
