Being a target of the fans is not easy, but that is what Pervis Estupiñan has been experiencing for several months at Milan.
Already towards the end of last season, the Diavolo supporters had identified him as one of the team's problems, and with the start of the new league campaign, the situation has not improved.
The Ecuadorian is poorly regarded by the Milan fans, singled out as one of the team's weak links and blamed for defensive mistakes, writes Corriere dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
The left-sided player once again provoked a nervous reaction from the Milan supporters on Sunday against Atalanta. From the moment he entered the pitch in the second half, murmurs of disapproval could be heard, and then, in the closing stages of the match, he was far from flawless in several situations.
The home crowd has little patience for the former Brighton player, and after the match, Amorim had to intervene to try to explain the reasons behind his selection.
Full Defence
The Portuguese coach took full responsibility and pointed out that the support of the fans would be needed to change the atmosphere surrounding the Ecuadorian:
"At other clubs, too, it sometimes happens that fans don't particularly like certain players. We have to help Estupiñan, we have to help the fans understand who Estupiñan is. And I can assure you that Pervis works really hard."
He then took full responsibility and defended the player, a gesture greatly appreciated by the full-back and the dressing room:
"He is playing because I am the one who chooses Estupiñan, because I believe in him and I am convinced that he will be really important for our team. But I understood that feeling from the very first match. We simply have to help him, because we are a team: if one of our teammates suffers because of this, the whole team suffers with him and stands by his side," the coach admitted after the match against Atalanta.
Behind the Scenes
In truth, Pervis was ready to leave in the summer. An agreement with Aston Villa was already in place, and another offer had arrived from Benfica in the final days of the transfer window. On that occasion, it was Amorim himself who blocked the negotiations. A decision that sparked debate, but one that underlines just how much the coach believes in the Ecuadorian full-back:
"He is a player who has played in the Premier League, and I can guarantee you that at the end of the transfer window, we had a list of clubs that wanted him. But I said no. So I want the fans to know that it was my responsibility."
Amorim's message to the fans is clear. Now it is up to the player to improve his performances and convince the supporters that the coach's assessment is correct.
