AC Milan manager Rúben Amorim faces intense scrutiny and a direct warning from club owner Gerry Cardinale following a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica in the Europa League opening stage, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport. Despite the mounting pressure and loud jeers from supporters at San Siro, Italian sports dailies report that Amorim’s job is not immediately at risk as club leadership commits to a long-term project.
Cardinale Intervention and the Crisis Meeting
Following the loss to Benfica and consecutive draws against Juventus (1-1) and Lazio (2-2), club owner Gerry Cardinale summoned Amorim for a crisis meeting to address the team’s stagnant form, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Cardinale stepped back into direct operational control after a year away from Italy, personally spearheading the hiring of Amorim and granting him significant authority over squad building and market strategy. Cardinale views Amorim as essential to changing the club’s identity and is prepared to weather initial sporting difficulties to protect the multi-year project.
Tactical Flaws and Heavy Transfer Spending
The sporting pressure intensified after the club spent millions of euros on reinforcements during the transfer window, a massive outlay that included the acquisition of Portuguese international Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for 74 million euros, making him the most expensive signing in Italian football history. Despite Amorim initially praising the club’s transfer approach as a ten out of ten, Italian outlets harshly criticized the team’s defensive frailties. La Gazzetta dello Sport described the Milan defense as looking “like an American highway” with massive spaces for opponents to exploit, while the Corriere dello Sport noted that Amorim erred in his starting lineup selections for four consecutive matches. Legendary Italian coach Fabio Capello added that the team currently lacks a discernible tactical identity or defensive structure.
Did you know? Rúben Amorim signed a three-year contract with an option for an additional season upon joining AC Milan, representing the longest managerial deal issued during Gerry Cardinale’s tenure as club owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rúben Amorim about to be fired by AC Milan?
According to major Italian sports newspapers, Amorim’s job is not in immediate danger. Club owner Gerry Cardinale held a meeting with the manager to discuss technical and tactical issues following the Benfica loss, but remains committed to supporting the long-term project.
What caused the tension between fans and the team?
AC Milan supporters expressed their frustration with loud jeers at half-time and after the final whistle during the 2-0 defeat to Benfica. The dissatisfaction stemmed from a three-match winless run across all competitions and defensive vulnerabilities noted by analysts.
How much did AC Milan spend on transfers under Amorim?
The club invested heavily in new players during the transfer window, including the club-record signing of Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain.
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