Ruben Amorim hasn’t even been the head coach for a week, but he has already been in touch with some of the AC Milan stars, according to a report.
On Tuesday evening, Milan confirmed Amorim as their new head coach after a casting process that took about three weeks. While the outcome has been questioned, at least the Rossoneri have someone in place that the players can talk to about next season.
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As pointed out by this morning’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see featured image), one of the first things that the Portuguese coach did was to ask for the phone numbers of all Milan players. Indeed, he wanted to waste no time getting some players on board with the new project.
Above all, though, he wanted to reach out to two players who are absolutely essential, but who have been linked with summer exits: Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan.
Rabiot and the Napoli temptation
It’s no secret that the midfielder is very close to Massimiliano Allegri. The failure to qualify for the Champions League, combined with the manager’s departure, has understandably raised doubts about Rabiot’s future with the club.
The midfielder hasn’t played in the Champions League since 2022, and when he signed for Milan, it wasn’t just to reunite with Allegri but also to get back to those famous European nights. The disappointment, as such, was massive at the end of the season.
However, Rabiot had to get on with things immediately and focus on the World Cup with France. The first match against Senegal was great by him, although Amorim didn’t exactly need further confirmation of what he can do on the pitch.
Despite rumours that the ‘Cavallo Pazzo’ might follow Allegri to Napoli, Milan’s new coach has informed Rabiot that he considers him a crucial piece in the puzzle. He envisions Adrien as the cornerstone of his two-man midfield, in a role similar to the one the Frenchman is playing so well with the national team.
Maignan is probing the ground
While Rabiot hasn’t shown any major signs of wanting to leave Milan, despite the Napoli reports, the same cannot be said for Maignan. The goalkeeper’s agent has already started probing the ground for a summer move, especially with some clubs in the Premier League.
Maignan renewed his contract with the Rossoneri until 2031 just a few months ago, but things have changed since. In addition to missing out on the Champions League again, the goalkeeper also had a special bond with Allegri, his assistant Marco Landucci, and goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi, as well as with sporting director Igli Tare.
The captain won’t be reunited with any of them when he returns to Milanello after the World Cup and his holidays. However, Amorim will be waiting for him, and he’s definitely counting on him. The former Manchester United manager told him this in a recent phone conversation.
The rest are important to
As mentioned, Amorim is talking to everyone in the squad. He knows that last season’s outcome could leave a lasting impression, and he wants to start off on the right foot, leaving the past behind. One player who made huge strides this past season, however, was Strahinja Pavlovic.
In his conversation with the Portuguese, the Serbian defender pledged his continued commitment to Milan, to which he is deeply attached, but also expressed his desire to win trophies with the Rossoneri. A mission shared by Amorim.
50M€ for Rabiot, 50M€ for Mike and it’s all good.