Amorim Faces Emergency Talks With AC Milan Over Difficult Start
Portuguese manager called in by owner Gerry Cardinale following Europa League loss and criticism of his squad.
Ruben Amorim, the former Manchester United manager, has reportedly been summoned for emergency talks with AC Milan leadership following a recent Europa League defeat to Benfica. His tenure in Italy has been challenging, with the team currently sixth in Serie A.
AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale called Amorim for discussions this week, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport. Despite Amorim's recent public criticism of his players, Cardinale reportedly offered him a vote of confidence.
Amorim has echoed sentiments from his time at Manchester United, where he frequently stated that players did not suit his preferred style of play, which centers on a three-defender formation. After only five games with AC Milan, he expressed similar concerns about the current squad.
"I think this team is a little bit different, they are more accustomed to working with three defenders, they are a little bit faster, a little bit stronger," Amorim told Sky Italia. "Of course, I don't have the clear characteristics that are perfect at this moment, but it is impossible when you take on a new team to have those perfect characteristics right away."
Amorim requested patience, acknowledging that failure is a possibility regardless of a club's stature. "I know it will take time, but I also know that there is big pressure at this club, yet I prefer this kind of job because if I need to fail one day, I want to fail big," he stated. "I have a lot of passion for this club, I want to help this club to be better, I don't know if I will have the time, but I look at my players and I think they are listening to everything that I say in training, and that gives me hope we can solve these problems."
Amorim was appointed by AC Milan in the summer, succeeding Massimiliano Allegri. His time at Manchester United concluded in January, 14 months after his arrival.