Amorim’s Pre-Season Blueprint: Milan Must Keep Possession, Leao Evaluated on Merit

FolioPitch.com – 05 August 2026 | AC Milan‘s pre-season campaign has been marked by a series of tests, with the latest being a 1-1 draw against Inter in Perth. While the result may not have been ideal, coach Ruben Amorim sees it as a positive step forward for his team.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Amorim outlined the improvements he saw in the game, particularly in the final 20 minutes when players like Rafael Leao, Luka Modric, and Goncalo Ramos took to the field. ‘It was a good test, but we need more games to test all the players,’ Amorim noted.

The Portuguese coach emphasized the importance of keeping possession, warning that Milan need to improve in this area to reduce the pressure they face. ‘If we have more possession, we suffer less,’ he explained. ‘This team was trained well by Allegri last season, I can see that.’

Amorim’s approach is a departure from the style of his predecessor Max Allegri, and he is eager to see his team adapt to his methods. ‘We’ve got to improve everything, especially on the ball,’ he said. ‘The more possession we have, the less we’ll be under pressure.’

In terms of individual players, Amorim made it clear that Rafael Leao will be treated the same way as any other player in the squad. ‘He is enjoying himself, but he is a team player, he helped the team today, and that is important, the focus on the team,’ he noted. ‘I evaluate Leao the same way I do Nkunku, Camarda and the others.’

The Amorim Milan must keep possession Leao evaluated same as others approach is one that prioritizes teamwork and possession over individual brilliance. While there may be challenges ahead, the Portuguese coach is confident that his team is on the right track.