Amorim Reveals Captain Selection and Team Changes Ahead of Europa League Clash Against Ferencvaros
Ruben Amorim, head coach of AC Milan, discussed his decision to start Adrien Rabiot as the team captain for their upcoming Europa League match against Ferencvaros. Amorim emphasized the challenges of entering the game without Strahinja Pavlovic, stating, “It’s strange to go into the game without Pavlovic.”
This match is set to kick off at San Siro at 17:45 GMT (18:45 CET).
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After a 3-1 victory against Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, the Rossoneri enter this match with boosted morale, but they continue to seek improvement in the Europa League, having suffered two major defeats in their first three matches. They aim to secure a vital win against a Ferencvaros team that remains undefeated in the tournament.
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Amorim Seeking Balance for Milan
Reflecting on his team’s readiness, Amorim shared, “The feeling is really good, it is good to work on that, today is massive for us.” He acknowledged the absence of several key players, stating the necessity for depth to remain competitive across all competitions, emphasizing that securing a victory today could shift their momentum in this tournament.
Despite Mike Maignan’s suspension following a red card in the recent loss to Bournemouth, third-choice goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani assumes the role in goal. The team must also navigate the absences of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Samuel Chukwueze, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Alexis Saelemaekers. With Pavlovic getting a rest, Rabiot will take charge as captain.
According to Amorim, Rabiot’s experience is crucial in the absence of players like Mike Maignan and Christian Pulisic. “If something bad happens in the game, we need someone on the pitch who can lead them, give that sense of security,” he noted. The coach also highlighted the importance of player fitness to avoid further injuries while pointing out that the rotation is not solely for the Europa League; they are focused on winning this match and the next.
Amorim has made changes in defense too. Sankhoun Diawara, initially utilized as a full-back, now shifts to central defense, giving Pavlovic his first break of the season. “It’s strange to go into the game without Pavlovic, but Diawara proved in the last two games he is competitive and up to the task,” Amorim remarked.
