Ruben Amorim has declared that his new role as head coach of AC Milan represents a bigger challenge than his previous job at Manchester United. The 41-year-old Portuguese manager was appointed as Massimiliano Allegri's successor last month and signed a three-year contract with the Serie A giants. He spoke to the press on Monday after arriving at Milan's airport.
Amorim's first comments as Milan boss
As quoted by Italian football website Calciomercato, Amorim told journalists: "I'm really very happy to be here, it's an honour to be the coach of Milan." He added: "Why did I choose Milan? If you read an old interview of mine you will understand it, for me a special club."
Amorim, who spent 14 months in charge at United, left the club in sixth place in the Premier League table in January. He was replaced on an interim basis by Michael Carrick, who later secured a permanent deal and guided the Reds to third place and Champions League qualification.
'A bigger challenge than the last'
Amorim explained his decision to take over at Milan despite previous thoughts of accepting a smaller challenge. "It's a very big challenge that I accepted even if after the last one (at Manchester United) I told myself to accept a smaller one," he said. "Perhaps it is a greater challenge than the last. I'm proud to be here, we all are, me and my staff."
Win record and backroom staff
During his tenure at Old Trafford, Amorim won just 25 of his 63 matches in charge after taking over in November 2024, drawing criticism for his tactical approach and disappointing results. He will be accompanied at the San Siro by his trusted backroom staff of Carlos Fernandes, Emanuel Ferro, Adelio Candido and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital, who previously worked with him at United.
Amorim's ambition at Milan
"I'm at Milan to win, if you're Milan coach you have to have this mentality," Amorim added. "I'm not naive, I know there's a lot of work to do, but if you're the Milan coach you have to play to win."
Milan endured a frustrating conclusion to last season, finishing fifth in Serie A and missing out on Champions League qualification. They finished 17 points behind champions and city rivals Inter Milan. Amorim will now be tasked with guiding Milan back to the Champions League and challenging Inter, Juventus and Napoli for the Serie A title.
