Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that AC Milan players are still adapting to his tactical blueprint after a 2-2 pre-season draw with Celtic in Glasgow. The Portuguese manager's arrival at the San Siro marks a significant shift in philosophy, moving away from his predecessor's approach toward a more aggressive, possession-based system built on high pressing.
Amorim was pragmatic in his assessment following the match, recognizing that implementing such fundamental changes requires patience. "The mentality of pressing for most of the game isn't fully understood by the team yet, but the idea is there, and I sensed it," he explained. The Rossoneri frequently found themselves caught between defensive intensity and structural vulnerability, with Celtic exploiting gaps left by aggressive forward movement. Players looked uncertain about when to trigger the press and how to maintain shape while doing so—a common growing pain when introducing gegenpressing tactics to a squad unfamiliar with the demands.
Camarda's Impact Offers Early Hope
A bright spot emerged in the form of Francesco Camarda, the 18-year-old striker who scored twice in quick succession to salvage the draw. The youngster's clinical finishing impressed Amorim enough to settle months of loan speculation. "Camarda will stay with us, no matter what. I have great faith in him and in our young players," Amorim declared, signaling the teenager's importance to his project.
Amorim outlined the specific areas requiring refinement: improved possession control, better tempo in transitioning into the opponent's half, and sharper decision-making in defensive situations. He emphasized that physical adaptation to his system will improve naturally as the squad gains match fitness. "We'll improve physically, we'll understand game situations better, and we'll be able to do it more consistently," he noted.
The manager did express concern over Mario Gila, the summer signing forced off with a muscular issue, though he expects the Spanish defender to recover without serious complications. As Milan prepares for their international tour and competitive fixtures ahead, Amorim's willingness to acknowledge the learning curve suggests realistic expectations for a team undergoing substantial tactical transformation in 2025.
