The AC Milan head coach, Ruben Amorim, spoke to the media in a press conference ahead of the Europa League match against Bournemouth.
Below are his words, as relayed via Milan News
“We will see the starting eleven tomorrow. Gonçalo does not have anything excessively serious, Chukwueze’s situation is different and we will assess it. In general, all European teams have problems with injuries, and that is why we make rotations. Cisse will play, but you will discover his position tomorrow.”
On the importance of the match against Bournemouth, the AC Milan coach said:
"I don’t know. Every match will be decisive. We are at the third one and there is still a lot to play for. We will face a team of a different quality. They have a certain tempo, they are known for their speed and quality in transitions. It will be a different match, and we will have to be ready to match their tempo. Decisive, no, but it will be important to understand the level and current state of our team."
What potential does Cisse have? How far can he go? Amorim replied:
"The first thing is not to exaggerate the situation and put pressure on younger players. I am speaking about us as a club: we must help younger players understand that football is a roller coaster. He is at the beginning of something, and we are at 50% of his potential. There are things he still does not do at a high level, but let’s give him time: we must understand that football changes quickly. He needs to work hard during the week, and then there will be more and more space for him in the team. But I repeat, he is only at 50% of his potential."
How do you assess your time at United?
"Overall, I think the important thing is that I am here as Milan’s coach. I have nothing to say about United. I can say that I loved the club and the atmosphere: what happened does not change that. Then I moved on, and now I am at Milan and I am focusing on this. At every big club, problems are always just around the corner. I am focusing on us and I am not thinking about other teams. What happened at United does not matter; what I said when I signed there remains the same."
How has Bournemouth changed since you were in England?
"There are some new details with Rose. But I see the same tempo, the same pressing: that is Rose’s identity. They have quality in one-on-one situations and have signed many strong new players on the market. There are obviously some differences, but their identity is based on quality, tempo and speed. It is a test for us, and I am happy to see the players on the pitch, even with some rotation."
Now that you have returned to England, do you feel that you are different?
“First of all, I want to say that Loftus is a talented lad; the problem is in his head. He needs to take this step forward, and he is still young, with a very long career ahead of him. He can play for the national team. As for me, as a coach, I have more experience, but I am not a different person. I understand football better, and that will help me in the future when managing problems. I think I am the same person, with a little more experience in certain things."
Amorim, what makes you choose Estupiñán over Bartesaghi?
"They are technical decisions based on what I see in training. But not in terms of how they train. Bartesaghi is a runner, while Estupiñán is a player who combines with others and creates balance. They are taking turns, so tomorrow you will see one of them and in Udine the other. It depends on the characteristics we want on the pitch. In any case, both of them must be ready to play."
Have you taken inspiration from Rabiot’s words to speak to the team over the past few days?
“Every match has a different story. We cannot say that in the next match we will improve something from the previous one. After the 3-1, we had possession: we need to improve certain technical and tactical aspects. That will help us control the match. Tomorrow, we have nothing to prove in relation to the previous match: we must try to win in this competition, which is important for us. And if we do not suffer any more injuries, that will be even better."
