August 6, 2026
Football news

Amorim: Milan Needs Possession, Leao Evaluated Equally

August 6, 2026Pablo Navarro5 мин

Ruben Amorim, the coach, highlighted areas of "improvement" observed in Milan's 1-1 draw against Inter. He stressed the importance for the team to "maintain possession more" and stated that Rafael Leao is evaluated "the same way" as all other players.

The match, an unusual "Derby della Madonnina" held in Perth, saw Inter take the lead through Federico Dimarco, with Pervis Estupinan facing difficulties defending the left flank. Christopher Nkunku later converted a penalty, awarded after contact with Carlos Augusto, to secure the 1-1 draw.

Amorim Identifies Progress in Milan

"It was crucial that we didn't lose, but more importantly, we must continue to develop as a team," Amorim told Sky Sport Italia. "Our initial pressing was strong, but Inter's experience allowed them to quickly counter our tactics, leading to struggles at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second."

"We saw improvements in the final 20 minutes. It served as a valuable test, although we require more matches to assess all the players."

Notably, the introduction of players like Rafael Leao, Luka Modric, and Goncalo Ramos coincided with these final 20 minutes.

"I believe our intention to move the ball quickly and build from the back is evident," Amorim continued. "However, we must avoid the same risks taken in Glasgow against Celtic. The game was also beneficial for fitness, though there is still room for improvement in that area."

Regarding Leao's future, amidst reports of strong interest from Galatasaray, Amorim commented, "My stance remains consistent with what I stated in the press conference. Being a Milan player is a privilege that should be enjoyed. Leao is enjoying himself and is a team player, contributing significantly today, which is paramount. I evaluate Leao in the same manner as Nkunku, Camarda, and the others. Camarda demonstrated remarkable effort today."

Amorim acknowledged the distinct style he is bringing to Milan, contrasting it with his predecessor, Max Allegri. "We need to enhance all aspects, particularly our ball control. Increased possession will reduce the pressure we face. This requires time and dedicated work. The more we possess the ball, the less vulnerable we will be. I can see that Allegri trained this team well last season."

The Milan squad and staff were in Perth for the match and were unable to attend the funeral of club icon Franco Baresi. A minute's silence was observed in his honor before kick-off, with players and staff standing around his jersey.

"I saw all the footage yesterday. He was an exceptional player and person. We will miss him greatly," Amorim stated. "The most fitting way to honor his legacy is to perform well and guide the club back to its rightful place."

English Translation:

Amorim: Milan Must Keep Possession, Leao Evaluated Same as Others

Ruben Amorim, the coach, pointed out areas of "improvement" seen in Milan's 1-1 draw, emphasizing the need for the team to "keep more possession" and that Rafael Leao is evaluated "the same way" as other players.

The Rossoneri conceded first in Perth to a Federico Dimarco goal, with Pervis Estupinan struggling to defend on their left flank. Christopher Nkunku drew contact with Carlos Augusto and converted a soft penalty to equalize, securing the 1-1 result of this unusual Australian Derby della Madonnina.

Amorim Sees Milan Progress

"It was important that we didn’t lose, but even more important is to keep improving as a team," Amorim told Sky Sport Italia. "We started very well, pressing high, but Inter have a lot of experience; they understood straight away what we were doing, and then we struggled at the end of the first half and the start of the second.

"There were improvements in the last 20 minutes of the match. It was a good test, but we need more games to test all the players."

Notably, the final 20 minutes also saw the introduction of players like Rafael Leao, Luka Modric, and Goncalo Ramos.

"I think you can see that we’re trying to move the ball quickly, to build from the back, but without taking the same risks that we took in Glasgow against Celtic," continued Amorim. "It was a good game in fitness terms too, even if we can improve a lot there as well."

Much has been discussed about Leao’s future, particularly with reports of Galatasaray pushing hard for his signature, but he combined well with Goncalo Ramos today.

"I think the same things I said in the press conference. If you are a Milan player, you are lucky, and therefore of course you need to enjoy that," noted the coach. "He is enjoying himself, but he is a team player; he helped the team today, and that is important, the focus on the team. I evaluate Leao the same way I do Nkunku, Camarda, and the others. Camarda worked so hard today."

Amorim recognizes that he is introducing a very different style to Milan compared to his predecessor, Max Allegri.

"We’ve got to improve everything, especially on the ball, because if we have more possession, we suffer less. It’s something that takes time; we need to work on it. The more possession we have, the less we’ll be under pressure.

"This team was trained well by Allegri last season; I can see that."

Milan players and coaching staff were in Perth for this match and therefore unable to attend icon Franco Baresi’s funeral yesterday, but he was remembered with a minute’s silence standing around his jersey before kick-off.

"I saw all the footage yesterday; he was a special player and a special person. We’ll miss him a great deal," noted Amorim. "The only way to remember him the way he deserves is to play well and take the club back to where it belongs."