Amorim Justifies Leaving Modric on Bench for Serie A Debut with Milan
Ruben Amorim has shed light on his choice to keep Luka Modric on the bench during his inaugural Serie A match as head coach of AC Milan, explaining that the seasoned midfielder is not yet fit to play a full game. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Portuguese coach spoke with Sky Sport Italia shortly before the kickoff against Torino, stating, “We have to understand that the game lasts 90 minutes. Musah is playing very well and Modric will also give something extra, but I know he doesn’t have 90 minutes in his legs. His experience can be useful to us in the closing stages.”
In Modric’s absence, Yunus Musah took to the field, with Modric held back as a strategic option for when the game opens up.
In another part of the press conference, Amorim shared his excitement ahead of his debut, expressing, “Enthusiasm, that’s the main word. There’s a bit of anxiety too, but I’m confident. The team has worked well, it’s growing well and we want to win. And we have to show it on the pitch.”
The coach noted that the enthusiasm of the fans did not surprise him. “I know the Milan fans,” he remarked. “I’ve been watching them since I was a child and for me it’s a dream; I feel a greater responsibility in this role.”
When asked about his messages to new signing Goncalo Ramos, Amorim responded, “I said the same things to him that I said to everyone. For me they are all equal.”
These sentiments echo those of defender Strahinja Pavlovic, who indicated that Amorim emphasizes the need for the team to control possession throughout the entire match, which may have influenced the decision to reserve Modric for later in the game.
Ruben Amorim has explained his decision to leave Luka Modric on the bench for his first Serie A match in charge of Milan, saying the veteran midfielder is not yet conditioned to last a full game.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Portuguese coach told Sky Sport Italia shortly before kick-off at Torino: “We have to understand that the game lasts 90 minutes. Musah is playing very well and Modric will also give something extra, but I know he doesn’t have 90 minutes in his legs. His experience can be useful to us in the closing stages.”
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Yunus Musah takes his place instead, with Modric held back as an option once the game opens up.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 05: Luka Modric of AC Milan runs inti the field during the pre-season match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
Amorim on Milan support in Turin
Asked for his feelings ahead of the debut, Amorim said: “Enthusiasm, that’s the main word. There’s a bit of anxiety too, but I’m confident. The team has worked well, it’s growing well and we want to win. And we have to show it on the pitch.”
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The Milan end was full, something the coach had anticipated. “Not a surprise, I know the Milan fans,” he said. “I’ve been watching them since I was a child and for me it’s a dream, I feel a greater responsibility in this role.”
On what he had said to Goncalo Ramos, Amorim was brief: “I said the same things to him that I said to everyone. For me they are all equal.”
The remarks chime with Strahinja Pavlovic’s own pre-match comments, the defender revealing that Amorim wants his side controlling possession for the full 90 minutes, a demand that helps explain the caution over Modric.
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