Ruben Amorim calls AC Milan role a greater challenge than Manchester United
Ruben Amorim has described becoming AC Milan head coach as a greater challenge than his previous role at Manchester United after arriving in Italy to sign a three-year contract.
The 41-year-old Portuguese manager addressed the media on Monday following his appointment as Massimiliano Allegri’s successor.
He was dismissed by the Premier League side in January following a difficult 14-month spell at Old Trafford.
Despite planning to take on a less demanding position, the former Sporting Lisbon boss admitted the lure of the Rossoneri was too strong to ignore.
“It’s a very big challenge that I accepted even if after the last one I told myself to accept a smaller one.”
“Perhaps it is a greater challenge than the last, but I’m proud to be here, we all are, me and my staff.”
Rebuilding after Old Trafford exit
The tactician managed just 25 victories from 63 matches in charge of the Red Devils before departing with the club sitting sixth in the English top flight.
His departure paved the way for Michael Carrick to assume control, eventually guiding the Manchester outfit to a third-place finish and elite European qualification.
Now, the newly appointed San Siro chief faces a significant rebuilding project in northern Italy.
The seven-time European champions missed out on Champions League football last season after finishing fifth in Serie A.
Winning mentality demanded at San Siro
A dismal end to their domestic campaign saw the Italian giants finish a massive 17 points behind city rivals and reigning champions Inter Milan.
Despite the daunting task ahead, the returning manager insists his focus is firmly fixed on delivering immediate success.
“I’m at Milan to win, if you’re Milan coach you have to have this mentality.”
“I’m not naive, I know there’s a lot of work to do, but if you’re the Milan coach you have to play to win.”
The new head coach will be joined in Italy by the same backroom team that accompanied him in England.
Assistants Carlos Fernandes, Emanuel Ferro, Adelio Candido and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital have all signed on as part of his trusted coaching setup.