Ruben Amorim is only two months into his AC Milan tenure, but concerns are already growing in Italy after a damaging 2-0 Europa League defeat to Benfica at San Siro.
The loss was followed by boos from supporters and strong criticism from the Italian media. La Gazzetta dello Sport described the situation as a “serious alarm”, while questions are being raised about Amorim’s tactics, team selection and public comments.
For Amorim, some of the criticism carries uncomfortable similarities to his time at Manchester United.
Amorim comments raise eyebrows after Benfica defeat
Amorim’s determination to stick with his principles has become one of the major talking points.
“If I have to fail, it’s better that I fail big,” he said around the Benfica game, arguing that he would rather struggle while remaining committed to his ideas.
That stance reminded Gazzetta of his time at United, where Amorim was similarly reluctant to compromise tactically.
More surprisingly, he has already questioned whether he will receive enough time at Milan.
“I want to help this club,” Amorim said. “I don’t know if I’ll have the necessary time.”
His comments about recruitment have also attracted scrutiny. Amorim rated Milan’s summer transfer window “10 out of 10” earlier this month but has since admitted the squad is only partly suited to his preferred football.
Milan ownership wants answers
Calciomercato has also criticised Amorim’s constant rotation.
Five changes were made against Benfica, with the outlet arguing that Milan are struggling to develop automatic patterns because the starting XI keeps changing.
Recent performances against Juventus, Lazio and Benfica have now prompted involvement from the hierarchy.
Owner Gerry Cardinale and Giorgio Calvelli are expected to hold talks with Amorim to assess the problems. Cardinale reportedly wants explanations regarding both Milan’s performances and the manager’s public comments about his squad.
Crucially, Amorim is still described as having Cardinale’s full backing, and there is currently no suggestion that dismissal is imminent.
Former Milan manager Fabio Capello believes Amorim should adapt rather than force his preferred approach.
“You have to know how to make wine from the grapes you have available,” Capello said, arguing that Milan should focus on repairing their defensive problems instead of trying to play a style unsuited to the available squad.
For Amorim, the challenge is already clear: settle on a team, improve results and prevent familiar questions from his Manchester United spell following him throughout his Milan tenure.
Key points
- AC Milan were booed after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica in the Europa League.
- Ruben Amorim’s tactics, rotation and public comments are already facing criticism in Italy.
- Amorim recently rated Milan’s transfer window “10 out of 10” but now admits the squad is not perfectly suited to his football.
- Gerry Cardinale and Giorgio Calvelli are expected to hold talks with Amorim, although the manager retains the owner’s backing.
- Fabio Capello believes Amorim needs to adapt his tactics to the players available rather than forcing his preferred system.
What’s next?
Amorim remains backed by Milan, making the upcoming discussions with the hierarchy more about finding solutions than determining his immediate future.
The pressure will nevertheless increase if performances do not improve. After difficult displays against Juventus, Lazio and Benfica, Amorim needs Milan to start showing greater tactical stability and consistency.
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