Ex-Man Utd boss lastly realises he’s the issue as he admits ‘maybe I did something wrong’
“Maybe I did something wrong. When the team shows this kind of attitude and we fail to deliver what was prepared, the person responsible is the coach. I have to look at myself first’
Poor Ruben . . .
Former Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has delivered a remarkably candid self-assessment after suffering yet another European stumble with AC Milan. The now Italy-based boss has shocked the world by admitting that his own decisions and tactical approach (three centre backs at all times) may be the root cause of his side’s persistent inconsistencies.
The Portuguese tactician, who endured a turbulent, high-profile spell at Old Trafford, watched his Milan side slump to an unexpected 2-0 Europa League defeat against Hungarian champions Ferencváros at San Siro. The results leaves the 28th in the table, and speaking to the media in the aftermath of the match, an exasperated Amorim conceded that the blame firmly stops with him rather than the squad – something he refused to do at any point during his wild tenure at Old Trafford.
“It is difficult to describe the performance,” Amorim admitted. “Maybe I did something wrong. When the team shows this kind of attitude and we fail to deliver what was prepared, the person responsible is the coach. I have to look at myself first.
‘Maybe I did something wrong’
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“We are capable of winning every match and losing every game. That is the main characteristic of this team right now, and it depends entirely on how we approach the match. We can win and lose against anyone; it is all up to us.”
The defeat comes at a precarious moment for the Rossoneri, who had recently secured a morale-boosting victory in the Derby della Madonnina against Inter. Yet Milan have repeatedly struggled to maintain that intensity on the continent, leaving Amorim under escalating scrutiny.
Reflecting on the ongoing lack of rhythm across both domestic and European campaigns, Amorim acknowledged his mounting frustration: “In the Europa League, for various reasons, we haven’t been able to find consistency. Every game is different. We’ve faced some difficulties, and I’m not entirely satisfied with our performances in the Europa League or in Serie A, where we should have more points.
At least the Ferencvarosi lads had a good night
“I think we can do better, but that’s how it goes sometimes. Every game has its own story, but our approach was not acceptable.”
Milan’s young full-back Davide Bartesaghi echoed his manager’s assessment of the team’s lethargy on the night, conceding that the players suffered from the “wrong attitude” from the opening whistle – but stopped short of making comments on his manager’s tactical choices.
Milan, currently fifth in Serie A, face an 11th-placed Genoa side away on Sunday, with Amorim’s future already in doubt.
