Ruben Amorim said the game would be special, but that only victory mattered to him, as his AC Milan side prepared to face his former club Benfica in the Europa League. The Portuguese coach acknowledged that emotions would run high in what is also a personal reunion.
Amorim noted that Benfica president Rui Costa is a reference figure at Milan, that forward Goncalo Ramos grew up at Benfica, and that he himself came through Benfica's academy and played for the club as a professional before moving into coaching.
Amorim on Benfica's title and European hopes
Despite those ties, Amorim declined to reveal his starting eleven, saying Benfica coach Marco Silva was a very intelligent manager. He did confirm that midfielder Joao Palhinha would start, saying the player would feature in this match and the next one, and describing him as a very strong player at set pieces and in pressing.
Amorim said he recognised pressure on both sides and believes Benfica has a team capable of winning the Portuguese league clearly, adding that the club could become champions. He said Benfica could also win the Europa League, since Marco Silva has the coach and the players for it, and Portuguese clubs have shown in the past that they can go far in the competition.
Amorim breaks down Benfica's current style
Speaking at a press conference in Milanello, Amorim described how Benfica's team has changed. He said the side plays with an inverted winger in Rafa, but takes on a different shape when Dodi Lukebakio starts. He praised Nicolas Prestianni for his work rate and said he is very dangerous near the box, called midfielder Barreiro incredible, and said fielding either Vangelis Pavlidis or Jhon Duran completely changes the game.
Life in Italy and the Mourinho succession talk
Amorim said he missed Portugal but felt at home, and a little Italian, in Milan, adding that he intended to stay in the city for years whatever happens.
Pressed again on Sport TV about reports linking him with a return to Benfica to replace Jose Mourinho, Amorim said he had always maintained he would not go, and that everyone knew it. He said there had been no invitation, and that this had already been made public. He explained that Mourinho had a contract, left the club, and that Marco Silva was Benfica's choice, calling the matter closed. He added that it was Milan who had called him and convinced him to take charge there.
Amorim reflects on leaving Sporting CP
In further comments to Sport TV, Amorim acknowledged that the way he left Sporting CP was not the most appropriate. Laughing, he said he got himself into trouble every time he spoke, and suggested he might do things differently today.
He said he still felt affection for Sporting, which he said needed time to change many things. He praised the club's current level of play, calling the team very strong, and noted that some players there already performed with their eyes closed. He said a coach needs time to build that understanding and that people need patience, adding that this is simply how these cycles work.
