Amorim Admits Milan Squad Crisis: ‘Almost Impossible’ to Manage as Maignan Conversation Revealed

FolioPitch.com – 26 October 2026 | AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim has candidly acknowledged the severe strain his squad is under, revealing that the congested fixture schedule has made player management ‘almost impossible.’ Speaking to DAZN ahead of Milan’s Serie A clash with Udinese, Amorim discusses almost impossible selection and conversation with Maignan, shedding light on the club’s current injury crisis and his decision-making process. The Portuguese tactician has been forced to shuffle his pack significantly, handing first Serie A starts to Sankhoun Diawara and Omari Hutchinson, while also bringing Goncalo Ramos and Christian Pulisic into the attack to spearhead the team.

The Rossoneri’s injury list has grown alarmingly, with Mario Gila, Adrien Rabiot, and Diego Moreira becoming the latest casualties following the midweek defeat to Bournemouth in England. Their absence further depletes a squad already stretched thin, and Amorim did not mince words when addressing the situation. ‘They couldn’t play. We have to manage the players. With this schedule, it’s almost impossible. We have to manage everything, and they’re not available today,’ he explained. The Milan boss emphasized that the sheer volume of matches leaves little room for recovery, forcing him to make tough choices week in, week out.

When pressed on his team selection, particularly the decision to start Diawara and Fikayo Tomori for the first time in Serie A this season, Amorim highlighted the tactical adjustments required. ‘We know Udinese plays with five men, so we’ll try to defend like that, but in a different way. The important thing is how the players rotate. I try to choose players who are physically available and have the right characteristics,’ he said. ‘Maybe if I had everyone available, I would have played differently, but today I feel like this is the best starting eleven to start the match. To start the game, not to finish it.’ This pragmatic approach underscores the reality of Milan’s current predicament, where availability often trumps ideal tactical setups.

Amorim also addressed the conversation he had with goalkeeper Mike Maignan, which has been a topic of much speculation. The coach revealed that he spoke to the Frenchman about his conduct, stressing the need for professionalism and discipline. ‘They’re not boys, they’re men. And Maignan understood that he can’t do things like that; we can’t put ourselves in these positions. I had a conversation with him, just like I had with everyone else,’ Amorim stated. He further elaborated on the Bournemouth defeat, attributing the loss not to tactical or technical deficiencies but to a lack of competitiveness. ‘I have the feeling that the start of the Bournemouth match had nothing to do with tactical or technical reasons. It’s not that they were better than us or more technically advanced, they were more competitive. Sometimes we just have to focus on being competitive and forget about playing well or elegantly. Sometimes we need to approach matches differently.’ This candid assessment suggests a shift in mentality is required, with Amorim keen to instill a more combative edge into his side.

On the fitness of Goncalo Ramos, who has been nursing a minor issue, Amorim was unequivocal. ‘He’s ready to play. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be here. He had a problem during the week, he was checked, and now he’s here. We need every player we put on the field. Those on the bench are ready to come on. So if he’s here, it’s because he’s ready to play.’ The coach’s confidence in Ramos’s availability is a rare positive amid a sea of absentees, and his presence will be crucial as Milan look to navigate a tricky period.

Amorim discusses almost impossible selection and conversation with Maignan with a refreshing honesty that reflects the pressures of managing a top club during a congested calendar. The Milan boss is clearly grappling with the dual challenge of maintaining results while safeguarding player welfare, a balancing act that is becoming increasingly difficult. The conversation with Maignan, in particular, highlights the need for leadership and accountability within the squad, especially after a disappointing result. As the season progresses, Amorim’s ability to rotate effectively and manage egos will be tested to the limit.

The upcoming fixtures offer little respite, and with key players sidelined, Milan’s depth will be severely examined. Amorim’s comments serve as both a warning and a rallying cry, urging his available players to step up and adopt a more resilient mindset. The coach’s emphasis on competitiveness over aesthetics may well define Milan’s approach in the coming weeks. For now, Amorim discusses almost impossible selection and conversation with Maignan as he prepares his team for battle, knowing that every point is precious in the race for Serie A supremacy.

In conclusion, Ruben Amorim’s frank admission about the difficulties of squad management and his handling of the Maignan incident paint a picture of a coach navigating turbulent waters with pragmatism and resolve. While the injury crisis shows no signs of abating, the clarity of Amorim’s communication and his willingness to make tough decisions will be vital if Milan are to emerge from this challenging period unscathed. The coming matches will reveal whether his squad can rise to the occasion and embody the competitive spirit their manager demands.