De Winter Reveals Amorim’s Faith, Four-Man Defence Experiment, and Dream of Becoming Milan Icon

FolioPitch.com – 09 October 2026 | In a candid interview with SportMediaset, AC Milan defender Koni De Winter has opened up about his relationship with head coach Ruben Amorim, the tactical shift to a four-man defence, and his ambition to become a club icon. The Belgian international, who joined the Rossoneri in the summer of 2025 as a replacement for Malick Thiaw, has become a cornerstone of Amorim’s three-man backline. But it is his insight into the Portuguese coach’s methods and the recent experimentation with a back four that has sparked intrigue among Milan supporters. Indeed, De Winter sheds light on Amorim’s faith, four-man defence and idea of Milan icon status in a wide-ranging discussion that also touches on his childhood, his father’s admiration for Clarence Seedorf, and his desire to leave a lasting legacy at the San Siro.

Amorim’s Unwavering Faith

De Winter has started all six of Milan’s Serie A matches this season, a testament to the trust Amorim has placed in him. When asked what the coach saw in him, the defender humbly deflected praise. “This is more of a question for the coach,” he said. “I try to do my job and give my all to the team. I try to be physically and mentally ready for every match. It’s the coach’s decision to put me on the pitch.”

However, he did reveal a pivotal moment during pre-season in Jakarta when Amorim made his feelings clear. “From our first conversation together, in Jakarta, he said I’m an important player for him,” De Winter recalled. “I feel his confidence in every training session and every game. It’s really great for me, as a player.” That faith has been repaid with consistent performances, as the 23-year-old has become the linchpin of Milan’s build-up play, often flanked by Mario Gila and Strahinja Pavlovic.

The Four-Man Defence Experiment

In Milan’s recent victory over Lecce, Amorim deployed a back four, a departure from his usual three-at-the-back system. De Winter welcomed the tactical flexibility. “It’s something the coach wanted to try,” he explained. “I think we were playing well even with three men, but it’s the coach who makes the decisions to win games. We won against Lecce, so I think he made the right choice.” The shift could signal a new dimension for Milan, offering more solidity in midfield while maintaining defensive stability. De Winter’s adaptability will be crucial if Amorim continues to tinker with his formation.

Beyond the Pitch: Personality and Passion

Off the field, De Winter describes himself as calm and reserved, though he admits his family might disagree. “Very calm, it depends on who you ask,” he smiled. “If you ask my family, they’ll tell you something different.” In the dressing room, he points to Diego and Chukwueze as the lively characters who keep spirits high. “We have energetic players like Diego, and Chukwueze is always a laugh,” he said. “We have some characters in the dressing room.”

Having moved to Italy at 16, De Winter feels a strong connection to his adopted country. “I feel Italian, but obviously I’ll always feel Belgian and Congolese,” he said. “But I really love Italian culture and the people in Italy: they’ve always welcomed me very well. The food is wonderful, and the climate too. I love the way Italians live and their pride.”

The Seedorf Connection and Icon Ambitions

De Winter’s father was a huge fan of Clarence Seedorf and even wanted to name him Clarence. “Yes, exactly. It’s all true,” he confirmed. “He told me that a couple of years ago. I didn’t know why, but it was great when I arrived at Milan. Seedorf left a huge legacy here. Sometimes strange things happen in life, but it’s really nice.” That legacy is something De Winter aspires to emulate. When asked if he would like to become a Milan icon, he replied without hesitation: “Of course. For me, Milan is a club that needs to be at the top. Many would sign to stay at a club like that for many years.” He also expressed a desire to follow in the footsteps of Vincent Kompany, a defender he admires. “Yes, I would. I’d like to become a major player like the names you mentioned. I think it’s the dream of every kid who starts playing football, to leave their mark on football history.”

As De Winter sheds light on Amorim’s faith, four-man defence and idea of Milan icon status, it becomes clear that the defender is not only focused on the present but also on building a lasting legacy. His journey from a young Belgian-Congolese talent to a key player for one of Europe’s biggest clubs is a testament to his dedication and humility. With Amorim’s guidance and his own ambition, De Winter could well become the next great Milan defender.

Conclusion

Koni De Winter’s rise at Milan is a story of trust, adaptability, and aspiration. Under Ruben Amorim, he has flourished as a central figure in a three-man defence, while remaining open to tactical variations like the four-man backline. His desire to become a Milan icon, inspired by the likes of Seedorf and Kompany, reflects a maturity beyond his years. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on De Winter to see if he can turn his potential into lasting greatness. Once again, De Winter sheds light on Amorim’s faith, four-man defence and idea of Milan icon status, offering a glimpse into the mind of a player determined to make history at the San Siro.