AC Milan have been linked to two Sporting talents since Ruben Amorim’s confirmation and they are both big fans of his.
Seeing former players linked to a head coach’s new club is not new and with Amorim having ‘more power’ in the mercato, it seems he could well have the ability to request certain players like Morten Hjulmand and Francisco Trincao.
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Praise for Amorim
Speaking to Tipsbladet in 2024, the Danish midfielder – who was the first major link from Sporting to Milan – spoke about Amorim and praised him heavily as MilanVibes relayed.
“It was very difficult for me at first, because Amorim is a very demanding coach. He expected so much from me because he thought I could grow so much as a player. He really helped me grow in many ways, and obviously contributed to significantly improving my level as a player.
“I assure you, he really helped me a lot. It’s also incredible to see how tactically prepared he is; he’s top-notch.”
In an interview with A Bola, though, he did admit he was disappointed to see the coach leave for Manchester United, as Yahoo Sports relayed.
“We thought that Amorim would stay for the season and fight to also be a two-time champion. Many players wanted to stay at Sporting with Ruben Amorim, because he is a great coach.”
“We feel disappointed with his departure. We were on a run of 11 consecutive wins, doing very well in the Champions League. Everything was very clear to everyone on the pitch. It was almost as if we were playing PlayStation.
“Everyone knew what they had to do. I told him in front of the other players that we were disappointed with his departure. We were counting on him to fight for the second title. He himself said the same thing at the start of the season. But then I also told Ruben that we understood his decision.”
He is not the only one to have said as much, too. Indeed, Trincao has also spoken heavily about his appreciation for the Portuguese coach. Speaking to A Bola, he discussed the coach’s importance, via MilanVibes.
“Ruben Amorim has always had enormous faith in me, he’s always believed in my abilities and always urged me to do the same.
“He always told me to stay calm and not worry. I always knew I had his trust and that he would always give me the chance to play, and I think that’s the greatest show of faith a footballer could ask for. I just have to think about reciprocating it, even though I’ve never lost confidence in my own abilities.
“I know my qualities and knew it would only be a matter of time before I emerged. Goncalves says he’s an unbearable coach, but he says that because the manager wants to win at all costs and therefore becomes very insistent.
“But we make sacrifices and he pushes us to the max so we never get demoralized and can achieve all the results we set out to achieve.”
Whether either will arrive at San Siro this summer is something else entirely. However, two well-respected talents saying so much about the coach is only a positive thing for the long-term. Hopefully, others will see him in the same light.
