Amorim: Milan still have ‘many things’ to improve, two things concern me | OneFootball

Milan coach Ruben Amorim says he’s more worried about the packed schedule in the coming weeks than the long international break, and admits: ‘We play well at times, but there’s still a lot of work to do.’

Milan coach Amorim shared his thoughts on the season’s opening games and the current international break in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.

This season’s September break will last three weeks instead of the usual two, as the September and October breaks have been combined.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 28: Ruben Amorim, Manager of AC Milan, looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and Venezia FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It’s not a worry because we must adapt to what happens in our world, and there isn’t much we can do. There’s not much difference between two and three weeks,” Amorim said.

“We have time to work with some players who need it and see others who might help us in the future. If there’s a real worry, it’s not about the three-week break, but rather the number of games we’ll play from now on. This worries me most, along with the intensity we’ll have to maintain.”

Another concern for the Portuguese coach is making his Milan side more dangerous in the final third.

“I think we have to improve as a team to create more chances,” he said.

“It’s not just about Ramos and Camarda. I make no difference between the players. Age or minutes played aren’t important. If you look at the games, Ramos has already had interesting chances and is doing well with the national team too. In the last game against Denmark, he decided the game. My main worry is to create more chances for everyone: Pulisic, Camara, Cissé; it’s a team effort.”

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 06: Luka Modric of Milan runs with the ball under pressure from Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Luka Modric is one of the Milan stars currently on international duty.

“I’m trying to manage him in the best way for the team,” Amorim said.

“Luka is playing some games with Croatia and resting in others because it’s impossible for a player that age to play with that intensity every time. It will be similar with us. We have to be smart. The only thing I can say is that Luka is training like a kid, with desire and enthusiasm that please everyone. He loves football; he loves staying on the field, and this is fundamental to all of us. I’m really happy to have him in our group.”

Milan are unbeaten in Serie A, with three wins and two draws, but suffered defeat to Benfica in their opening Europa League match. Is the team still a long way from what Amorim has in mind?

“Many things are missing; I can say it without any problem,” he replied.

ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim issues instructions to his player Goncalo Ramos during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between AC Milan and SL Benfica at Stadio San Siro on September 16, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We try to dominate the games consistently; we play well at times, but there’s still a lot of work to do. I don’t like to hear people talk about this Milan as Amorim’s Milan. Milan is Milan.

“The club has a story and an identity that go beyond a coach’s name. I want to see a team with an identity that can win even when things don’t run perfectly. We are still far from our potential, but we need time and continuity. We have many games, we must win and improve at the same time, it’s not easy.

“I’ll always try to field the best XI for every game, taking into account what we might need in the second half as well,” he concluded.

“Looking at the opening five games, it’s clear that substitutes had a positive impact. We can’t only focus on the starting XI. Also, with just two days between games, it’s impossible to rely on the same players every time. We must all be ready; that’s what we work on every day.”