Ruben Amorim is not experiencing Milan as simply another professional stop in his career. The Portuguese coach has repeatedly spoken of his admiration for the club, which began when he followed the teams of Sacchi, Capello and Ancelotti as a youngster. It is a connection he is now trying to turn into an identity on the pitch. His first league game brought an away victory, accompanied by an emotional celebration that, in his own words, he experienced "like any other fan".
Milan switches identity:
Against Torino, some of Amorim’s footballing ideas were immediately visible. Milan finished the game with 58.9% possession, rising to as much as 73.9% in the first half, while they recovered the ball an average of 44.5 metres from their own goal. These are signs of a team that wants to dominate, press high and build play courageously, exactly as requested by their coach.
The attacking numbers also point to a change: Milan registered at least 10 shots from inside the box in the opening 45 minutes, something they had not managed for more than four years. The victory also made Amorim the first foreign coach since 2009 to win his Serie A debut away from home, as relayed via Milannews.it.
Amorim has already brought everyone into his project. Cissé repaid his faith with a crucial goal, while Rabiot said he feels important within a project built around possession, pressing and attacking football. Cardinale also appears to strongly believe in Amorim’s ideas, backing them with significant investment, as seen with Ramos and Moreira. Off the pitch, Amorim takes care of every detail: elegance, respect for Milan’s history and a special relationship with Franco Baresi.
Friday will then bring his debut at San Siro. For the coach and fan, it will be another symbolic step: finally entering Milan’s home... but this time as the tactician in chage.
