A barrage of criticism has been directed at Ruben Amorim’s Milan following the defeat to Benfica. And it is not just coming from the Italian media: doubts and negative opinions over what was seen in last night’s Europa League opener have also emerged from the United States, with CBS Sports’ pundits not holding back in their criticism of both the coach and the players who took to the pitch.
The disappointment was clearly audible at San Siro last night, with large sections of the stadium booing the team after the final whistle, although some grumbling – not exactly well hidden – had already begun to be heard during the match itself. Ruben Amorim listed all the flaws that had emerged in terms of the performance and the team and, in effect, put his own work since July 13 under the spotlight. This is a squad-building process that was carried out with Gerry Cardinale personally involved.
According to sources at Milannews.it, the Milan owner is far from happy with the team’s performances in their last three matches, while last night’s defeat cannot and must not go unnoticed given the wider picture. That is why an internal meeting is expected today to analyse, in clear and frank terms, what the team’s performances on the pitch are showing. Milan have glaring shortcomings in every phase: with the ball, without the ball, going forward and defensively. There are systemic flaws that have been known for some time and were highlighted by critics during the transfer window, as well as others brought about by the coach’s choices, with Amorim still yet to establish a clear starting XI.
Yesterday, on the night of Milan’s return to European competition, the team took to the pitch with the attitude of a side about to play a glamorous pre-season friendly, rather than one with the hunger, desire and determination to secure the first three points of their Europa League League Phase campaign. But, as things stand, this is the result of what happened over the summer. At Milan, if you want to be given time, you have to win matches (in Amorim’s words), and it has now been 270 minutes without a victory. Consequently, the time available is shrinking.
