Ruben Amorim repeats familiar message after AC Milan draw with Inter

Former Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim believes AC Milan still have significant improvements to make despite their encouraging 1-1 draw with Inter in Perth, insisting his side must learn to "suffer less" by becoming more comfortable in possession.

Speaking after the pre-season friendly, the Portuguese coach praised his players' response against the Serie A champions but admitted Milan are still adapting to his tactical demands.

The AC Milan boss felt his team made a strong start before Inter gradually gained control of the contest.

"It is important not to have lost, but the most important thing is to improve as a team," Amorim said.

"We started very well, pressing very well, but Inter have a lot of experience. They immediately understood what we were doing and we suffered at the end of the first half and at the beginning of the second half."

Amorim was encouraged by Milan's improvement during the closing stages of the match.

"Then we improved in the last twenty minutes of the game. It was a good test, but we need more games to try all the players."

The Portuguese coach believes his team's biggest improvement must come in possession.

According to Amorim, enjoying more of the ball will naturally reduce the periods where Milan are forced onto the defensive.

"Everything, especially with the ball."

"If we have more possession, we will suffer less. But it's something that takes time, which we have to work for. We have to have more possession to suffer less."

The comments offer another insight into Amorim's coaching philosophy as he continues preparing Milan for the new Serie A campaign.

AC Milan will continue their pre-season preparations with further friendlies as Amorim works to implement his tactical approach before the start of the Serie A season. The manager is expected to continue rotating his squad while searching for the right balance in and out of possession.