Manager Ruben Amorim spoke to DAZN after Milan's 3-1 victory over Inter, his first Derby as AC Milan head coach. These were his statements:
What are you happiest about tonight?
“I am happy about many things. I think we started very well, then they are very strong from set-pieces. We conceded a goal, but it did not change the way we approached the match. It is an improvement compared to other matches. In the second half, we were good in possession. Luka Modric helped us a lot, but not only him. It was a good match, not an extraordinary one. But it was a fantastic night for our fans: after Bologna, we needed a victory to turn the page.”
Tonight, the players were convinced and ready to attack the match. Was your management of the squad rewarded? Amorim replied:
“It was a completely different match compared to Bologna, with a completely different approach. Over these two days, I felt that the team was angry, but also focused on the match. And we have to be honest: Gila, Moreira and Rabiot made an enormous difference. We have to understand that it is not just about quality, but above all about how their characteristics are perfect for the way we have been trying to play over these months. It was a good evening. In fact, I am even thinking about what I could have done better against Bologna… From tomorrow, we will think about the next match.”
What is the feeling after this Derby? Amorim said:
“The atmosphere was incredible. I have never experienced anything like it. You can truly feel the passion; it is completely different from every other derby I have played. I am happy for the players. It was important so that the fans could gain a little more confidence in the project. We will have other nights like this, but also evenings like the one against Bologna. It is part of the process. It is good to win these matches to make the fans understand that this is what the journey will be like, but it is a change that will need time. It is impossible to change everything in one day. But I am really very happy, more for my players because I am truly proud of them than for myself, because I am already thinking about the next match.”
How high can this Milan aim? Cardinale keeps referring to Top Gun and you are his "wingman".
“I think we will be a strong team, but it will take time. The objective, as Cardinale said, is always to win the Scudetto. And we have to be honest: it will be difficult to achieve that already in the first year. But we will fight in every match. At Milanello, our objective is to return to winning the Scudetto. Top Gun is a really great film, but in the first one the wingman dies… (laughs, ed.). I will try to focus more on the second instalment," commented Ruben Amorim.
