AC Milan lost 0-2 at San Siro to Benfica. The Rossoneri head coach, Ruben Amorim, reacted to the result in a press conference.
What we are seeing is definitely concerning...
“There is a lot to improve. We showed better moments in the game against Torino and in the second half against Lazio, but then we had some difficult moments. We are creating problems for ourselves when we have the ball. We have a lot of work to do. We are not creating many chances and, when we concede the first goal, that is a mistake we cannot afford to make because the team becomes disorganised and we suffer a lot. Of course, this is the beginning of a journey, but we have to win games and we did not manage to do that today. We cannot change the result, so let’s focus on the next game.”
Amorim, why did the team show that spirit in the first half despite the atmosphere at San Siro?
“There was a problem in the first half against Lazio: we completely panic when we concede the first goal. We need to stay calmer, maintain our organisation and show different energy. As you said, at the start of the game Lazio were in the same situation as us, but the issue goes deeper: it is not just a lack of energy, it is about organisation, quality in possession and understanding the different phases of the game. When you concede a goal, you have to keep the ball and not simply throw everyone forward without any tactical structure. We lose our identity as soon as we fall behind. In the second half, we started well, pushing the opposition back into their own area and creating chances with De Winter, but conceding that second goal early on knocked the stuffing out of us, after another transition in which we took too long to win the ball back. It was not the best possible European debut, but there are more games ahead. We cannot change today’s result, but we can change the next game.”
Did you expect this Benfica? Amorim replied:
“Benfica became increasingly comfortable and more organised as the game went on. Many times they allowed us to have the ball because they thought that doing so would create more problems for us. If we look at the two teams, I think Benfica were more organised in terms of what they wanted from the game, while we were unable to do the same. We were unable to create many chances or disorganise Benfica’s defence with runs in behind, movement or the freedom and joy we should have shown when we had the ball. As a result, we produced very little and Benfica always felt comfortable, also because they scored at key moments in the game. I would say Benfica were the better team. As for the game against Porto, there is nothing to say: I am only thinking about Milan’s next game.”
What concerns you the most?
"Regarding the game, I don’t think so, it is not worth talking about. Maybe if I had won I would answer, but right now I am not in the right frame of mind to do so. At this moment, I don’t care about it. Of course I am always concerned: even when we fail to win just one game, or win while playing badly, I am always concerned. Now, what we have to do is understand that this is football, that we are at the beginning of a journey and that we have to work to win games. We already know the pressure that exists at these clubs, so for me it is nothing new. I think it is normal. Now, obviously, we have to do better and we have to win the next game."
