CM: ‘I’m ready to adapt’ – what Amorim could change to get more from Milan squad

Ruben Amorim revealed after the Benfica game that he is willing to adapt in order to get the most out of his AC Milan squad, but how might he change?

The disappointing defeat against Benfica – both in terms of the result and the performance – has sparked debate over Amorim’s selection decisions. It seems that just 90 minutes was enough to make him walk back what he had said prior to the match.

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As Calciomercato.com recall, he said to Sky before kick-off: “I prefer doing this type of work because it means a lot to me: if I have to fail, it’s better if I fail big. I want to help this club. I don’t know if I’ll have the time, but the players listen to me a lot in training, and that gives me hope that solutions can be found.”

After the game, he told the same broadcaster: “I’m constantly changing. That’s my feeling. Sometimes I have to start with a base. We have two months of work. We lost today, but we’ll definitely find solutions to try to adapt in certain matches, because we need to create an idea. I’m still working.”

How Amorim could adapt

The first move to remedy the situation is clear: Amorim – who has so far been opposed to fielding the same starting line-up every game – will try to limit rotation and experiments in the upcoming matches.

So we can expect to see less of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Pervis Estupinan and Filippo Terracciano for example, i.e. the experiments that failed. The idea would be to find a backbone made up of five or six players who can provide tactical guarantees and leadership to the team, then rotate more carefully.

Another option that will be considered involves some modifications to a 3-4-2-1 formation, which requires players with specific characteristics. The main changes should affect the midfield and attacking midfield, where only Christian Pulisic can effectively operate in the half-spaces.

One adjustment could involve seeking greater width, with Diego Moreira on one side then Alexis Saelemaekers and Pulisic close to Goncalo Ramos. That would guarantee a technical level and more fluid movement to get service to the Portuguese.

The break comes at the right time: Amorim will have three weeks to evaluate with his staff which path to take to enhance the team and earn as many points as possible until the winter window, when Gerry Cardinale intends to step in to complete the work he began last summer.