Overview
- AC Milan lost 2-0 at San Siro to Benfica on Wednesday, their Europa League opener, and the crowd expressed clear frustration at full time.
- Ruben Amorim said the squad lacks the specific characteristics he wants for his attacking, possession game and warned the team create problems when they have the ball.
- Amorim publicly questioned recurring poor first-half displays and called into doubt whether there is a 'mental issue' after repeated sluggish starts.
- Owner Gerry Cardinale held urgent talks with Amorim, reiterated backing for the project and signalled an expectation of fast improvements while sources say the coach is not at immediate risk of dismissal.
- Immediate changes under consideration include fewer experiments in the starting XI, tactical tweaks for upcoming matches, use of the international break to reassess and potential January signings to bring players who fit Amorim's system.