Ruben Amorim admits Milan pressure is mounting ahead of RB Salzburg clash

AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that patience is in short supply at the San Siro, insisting his side must respond to their disappointing Europa League start when they face RB Salzburg.

The Rossoneri travel to Austria following a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica, with inconsistent Serie A performances adding to the scrutiny surrounding Amorim's early tenure.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia ahead of Thursday's fixture, the Portuguese coach accepted that results must improve quickly, even though he believes the club's rebuilding process requires time.

Amorim has attempted to distance himself from criticism in the Italian media, explaining that his priority remains improving performances rather than responding to speculation about his position.

“I don’t read papers or watch TV, so that I can focus on my work,” he said.

“We are at the start of something, obviously we want to win more games and have more points. With regards to the rest, it’s normal at a big club.”

The former Manchester United manager also acknowledged the difficulties of developing a long-term project when expectations demand immediate success.

“Every project needs time, but nowadays with football media it is impossible to have a lot of time, so it is necessary to win games.”

His comments underline the challenge facing Milan. Building consistency requires patience, but their European defeat and domestic struggles have already increased the importance of upcoming results.

Milan's defeat to Benfica has left them chasing their first points of the Europa League campaign, while Salzburg enter the contest following a 1-0 away victory over Levski Sofia.

Amorim believes his players must concentrate on the next challenge rather than allow recent disappointment to affect their preparation.

“The team is fine, of course they felt the silence after the game, but we have so many games that we cannot think about the past,” he explained.

The Milan coach also highlighted Salzburg's technical qualities and the physical demands his team will face in Austria.

For Milan, the immediate task is to produce a more convincing performance while avoiding another setback in a competition that offers an important route to European success.

Amorim also addressed speculation surrounding his attacking options, with young striker Francesco Camardapotentially challenging Goncalo Ramos for a starting position.

Ramos has started all seven matches this season, but the Milan manager confirmed that Camarda is working well in training and should receive increased opportunities.

“Camarda is training well, tomorrow will be another opportunity, I won’t tell you if he will start or not, but as I said he will have more minutes from now on.”

Christian Comotto was another youngster praised by Amorim, who stressed the significant adjustment required for players stepping up to Milan's demanding environment.

The manager's willingness to rotate could become increasingly important as Milan attempt to balance their domestic commitments with a congested European schedule.

Milan face RB Salzburg at the Red Bull Arena on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:45 UK time.

Amorim must decide whether to retain Goncalo Ramos in attack or offer Camarda a greater role as he searches for a response to the Benfica defeat.

The match provides an immediate opportunity for Milan to collect their first Europa League points and ease some of the pressure surrounding their manager.