Amorim Backs Cardinale’s ‘Top Gun’ Vision But Admits Milan Need Time

FolioPitch.com – 30 October 2026 | AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim has responded to Gerry Cardinale’s ‘Top Gun’ analogy and the club’s Scudetto ambition, while also addressing Goncalo Ramos‘ struggles and the team’s injury crisis. In a wide-ranging pre-match press conference ahead of the derby against Inter, Amorim discusses Cardinale’s Top Gun remark, Scudetto aim, Ramos struggles and injuries, offering a candid assessment of his side’s current situation.

Amorim appreciated the support from the Milan owner, who recently compared him to a ‘Top Gun’ pilot, but stressed that building a winning team requires patience. “I truly appreciate Cardinale’s support,” Amorim said. “We already knew that we can’t build a solid foundation if we have to deal with these kinds of issues in the middle of the season. It will take time, it’s inevitable, but at the same time, we want to win every single game.” The coach acknowledged that the analogy makes sense but doesn’t ease the pain of defeat, especially after the disappointing 4-2 loss to Bologna.

Reflecting on the Bologna defeat, Amorim was critical of his team’s second-half collapse. “We can’t afford to concede two goals in two minutes,” he said. “We can do much better, and there are so many small details that I’ve already discussed with the team.” The loss dropped Milan out of the top four and left them seven points behind Inter and Lazio. With the derby looming, Amorim knows a victory is crucial to keep pace at the top.

On the Scudetto aim, Amorim was clear: “You always have to talk about the Scudetto as the main objective when you’re at Milan, but we’ve already dropped points and we need to fix things. We just have to focus on improving the team step by step.” He emphasized the importance of not getting ahead of themselves, focusing on the next match rather than long-term goals. “The objective of the club is always and in any case winning Serie A and that remains our final goal. How long will it take? I don’t know.”

Amorim also addressed the struggles of Goncalo Ramos, who has yet to find his best form since joining Milan. “I think all the problems and difficulties Goncalo Ramos is experiencing are primarily a team issue,” he explained. “We control games well, but we play too far from the opponent’s goal. We need to raise our centre of gravity and the team on the pitch, spending more time in that area of the pitch to allow Ramos to play his game.” The coach believes that with time, Ramos can become the match-winner Milan need.

Injuries have been a major concern for Milan this season, with several key players sidelined. However, there is some good news as Diego Moreira, Mario Gila, and Adrien Rabiot are all back in contention. “They’re ready to join the team,” Amorim confirmed. “We’ll have to evaluate tomorrow morning whether they’ll be able to start or what the game plan will be.” The coach also took responsibility for the injury situation, stating: “Injuries and muscle problems have nothing to do with the medical staff, the gym staff, or Milan Lab. The responsibility lies with me, the coach, and the way he trains the team.”

Amorim delved into the causes of the injury crisis, citing overload in certain areas and the lack of rotation options. “When you find yourself with one less option at a certain position, you can’t rotate the players as you’d like, and then things happen,” he said. He also mentioned the example of Saelemaekers’ bad luck and the need to manage players’ workloads carefully. “I know the medical history of every player on the roster, I know the daily workload, and I try to manage it as best I can. Sometimes, however, I’m forced to take risks.”

The derby against Inter presents a unique challenge, and Amorim is well aware of the significance. “I think it’s a special match because it’s being played in the same city,” he said. “It’s a unique rivalry, but there’s also a deep bond: two great teams in the same city sharing a stadium.” He compared the atmosphere to derbies in Portugal, noting the Latin passion that both share. Despite the pressure, Amorim is confident his team will be ready. “Everyone knows it’s a special match, a special moment, and when you get to play it, the context doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter if you’re tired. You have to go out there and give it your all, and we’ll be there.”

As the conversation continued, Amorim discusses Cardinale’s Top Gun remark, Scudetto aim, Ramos struggles and injuries once more, highlighting the interconnected challenges facing Milan. He admitted that the team is short on resources but defended the decisions made at the start of the season. “Today, if I could go back, maybe I’d want a few more players,” he conceded. “But if we look at the situation rationally, the numbers at the start of the week told us we were fine with the rotations; but then in the last week, with three games in a few days, we found ourselves with six or seven starters or key players out of action.”

On the rivalry with Inter and their coach Chivu, Amorim showed respect but also confidence in his own project. “I have zero envy for Chivu because I’m already in the right place, that is, at Milan and not at Inter,” he said. “I chose more or less the same situation, a club in the midst of rebuilding, which is trying to launch young players like Cisse to build something from scratch. It’s a challenge that excites me.” He acknowledged Inter’s maturity and ability to read games but insisted Milan will fight. “They have a lot of talent in their squad, but we’re there to fight against that too and we’ll be ready for the match.”

Finally, Amorim discusses Cardinale’s Top Gun remark, Scudetto aim, Ramos struggles and injuries in the context of the team’s ups and downs. He attributed the inconsistency to a combination of factors, including the busy schedule and injury crisis. “We need to develop the maturity needed to control matches and manage the various moments of a match, and we’ll get there with time,” he said. “Despite everything, I assure you that we will become a great team.”

In conclusion, Amorim’s press conference painted a picture of a coach who is fully aware of the challenges ahead but remains steadfast in his belief in the project. With the derby against Inter on the horizon, Milan have a chance to close the gap at the top and prove that they can compete with the best. While the Scudetto remains the ultimate goal, Amorim’s focus is on the immediate task: winning the next game and continuing to build a team capable of sustained success.