Amorim: ‘Pulisic perfect for my Milan, I will come and get Modric’ | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim assures ‘perfect’ Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric will be key players in his Milan squad, but his description of the USMNT player’s role suggests Rafael Leao is on the way out.

Ruben Amorim appointed Milan head coach (Source: acmilan.com)

The new coach held his first press conference this afternoon, sat alongside RedBird owner Gerry Cardinale, and you can read everything the tactician said here.

Although he tried not to discuss individual players, insisting that he would prefer to speak about the team as a whole, he was drawn on two who are reconsidering their futures after the World Cup.

Pulisic and Modric key for Amorim’s Milan

GENOA, ITALY – MAY 17: Christian Pulisic of Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 17, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“Pulisic is a really talented player, of course he had an injury again in the World Cup that we need to assess,” said Amorim.

“He is perfect for the way I think about football, especially here in Italy where sometimes the teams defend so well there is less space between the lines, he is a player who can make the difference in that kind of space.”

When it came to describing where Pulisic could play in his team, Amorim’s small laugh and shrug suggested he knew full well what message this comment would send.

“I have a clear idea of where I want him to play, especially with the right foot on the left side, is the perfect position for him, he can play the other side also, inside too and not on the line.”

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 17: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Christian Pulisic after scoring the opening goal during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and SSC Bari at Stadio San Siro on August 17, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Pulisic has almost exclusively played on the right for Milan because the left flank is taken up by Rafael Leao, so might no longer be sacrificed to make room for the Portugal international.

“I know the strengths of Pulisic, I believe in him, he will be supported in our clubs, I know he had some criticism after the World Cup elimination, but I am here to say we believe a lot in him, have a clear plan to use all the qualities that he has, so I can say to you that Pulisic is really important for us,” added Amorim.

Serie A 25/26 – Top Transfers – Manuel Akanji, Luka Modric & Donyell Malen – GettyImages

Another player who is still trying to decide his Milan future is Modric, who has not ruled out retirement or a move to MLS after the World Cup elimination for Croatia.

“Modric is a player we want to keep for his experience. I spoke with him two times, if he needs, I will come and get the guy,” confessed Amorim.

“He played really well, he is a key point for us, especially at the beginning to have more possession. I’m not saying he will play every game, but we really want to count with Modric for next season.

“I know the board spoke with Modric, I spoke with Modric, so I hope to have Modric in some days with us. I will give him some days to rest.”