Saelemaekers Credits Amorim’s Reset for AC Milan Revival and New Attacking Role

FolioPitch.com – 29 August 2026 | AC Milan’s comeback victory over Venezia on Saturday was defined by a moment of brilliance from Alexis Saelemaekers, and after the match, the Belgian winger made it clear that his resurgence is directly linked to the work of head coach Ruben Amorim. In his post-match interview, Saelemaekers praises Amorim for resetting everything and discusses new position, revealing a tactical shift that has unlocked his potential in a more central attacking role.

Coming off the bench in the second half, Saelemaekers changed the game instantly. He provided a perfectly weighted assist for Goncalo Ramos to break the deadlock, then turned provider again, sending Ardon Jashari through to seal a 2-0 victory. The performance earned him the man-of-the-match award, but it was his comments afterward that shed light on a larger transformation under Amorim’s leadership.

“The coach did a good job of resetting everything,” Saelemaekers told DAZN. “I think it shows on the pitch. Each player is having more fun, their minds are clear, and we need to keep it that way.” This sentiment echoes across the squad, but for Saelemaekers personally, the new role behind the striker has been a revelation.

The Belgian international admitted that he feels more comfortable cutting inside from the left, but Amorim sees him as a player who operates in tight spaces behind the main forward. “We talked about it at the start of the season,” Saelemaekers explained. “He told me that he views me as someone who plays behind the striker, given I play well in tight spaces. That said, he knows I’ll give 100% wherever he deploys me.”

The tactical switch is part of a broader reset that has revitalized Milan after a disappointing campaign last year. Saelemaekers acknowledged the difficulty of that period, especially with the World Cup interrupting the season and players returning at different times. “It was especially difficult because of this World Cup in the middle, so each player returned at a different date. Coming off a season like last year is never easy. We had so many expectations, but we weren’t able to achieve our goal.”

Amorim’s arrival, however, brought a clear identity. Saelemaekers praised the high-pressing system instituted by the Portuguese coach. “It’s a trait the coach gave us right away. We have the players to do it, so we have to take advantage of it. Our first defence is in attack, so if we press well in attack, we have done 50% of the job. We work hard during the week, and this has already brought us several goals. We have to continue like this and improve.”

Against Venezia, that pressing game was on full display, forcing errors and creating turnovers. The introduction of Saelemaekers added a new dimension, as he drifted between lines and connected the midfield with the attack. His ability to receive the ball in tight spaces and turn forward was crucial in breaking down a stubborn Venezia defense.

This is not just a one-off performance. Saelemaekers has been gradually earning more minutes in this new role, and his willingness to adapt has won over the coaching staff. The keyword that keeps surfacing is ‘reset.’ In every interview, Saelemaekers praises Amorim for resetting everything and discusses new position with a sense of clarity and purpose. He is not just a winger anymore; he is a flexible attacker who can play across the frontline or behind the striker.

For Milan, this is a valuable asset. With a congested fixture list and tough matches ahead, having a player like Saelemaekers who understands multiple positions is a luxury. The win against Venezia was also emotional, as it honored the memory of club legend Franco Baresi, and the team responded with a mature performance.

“It was very important for us to win today in front of our fans, in memory of Baresi,” Saelemaekers added. “We are ready for the next match, which will be very difficult.” That next challenge looms large, but with the morale boosted and the tactical system taking shape, Milan look like a team reborn.

The transformation under Amorim is still a work in progress, but early signs are promising. The players, especially Saelemaekers, are buying into the new philosophy. The result is a cohesive unit that presses relentlessly and attacks with fluidity. If this continues, Milan could be a force in the league, and Saelemaekers will be at the heart of it.

In conclusion, the narrative of Milan’s revival is intertwined with individual rebirths. Alexis Saelemaekers praises Amorim for resetting everything and discusses new position with conviction, and his performance against Venezia was a testament to that. The Belgian has found a home in the middle of the park, and his form could be pivotal in the season ahead.