Amorim before Benfica clash: Our goal is to win the Europa League

Milan's head coach, Ruben Amorim, has stated that facing Benfica represents a very important opportunity, noting that his team is eagerly awaiting the start of their journey in the Europa League.

Amorim said: "It is a crucial opportunity, this is our first match in the UEFA Europa League and we cannot wait to start the competition," stressing that the presence of Rui Costa at the helm of Benfica, along with the historical encounters between the two teams, gives the match a special character. However, he emphasized that he is with Milan to achieve victory.

The Portuguese coach revealed Milan's ambitions in the competition, stating: "The goal is clear, which is to win the Europa League. We want to go as far as possible."

He explained that the competition requires a strong squad capable of handling the pressure of matches, with the need for extensive rotation. He emphasized that Milan can win any match and any tournament if they maintain their players' readiness and avoid injuries, with the motivation and desire to succeed.

Amorim discussed the draw against Lazio, highlighting that the shift in the team's performance during the second half was not solely due to the substitutions, but rather a general change in mentality and energy.

He said: "There was a different mentality, and I don't think that the substitutions alone changed the team," pointing out that some players who started the match looked better after the break. He also emphasized that the coaching staff is thinking about managing the upcoming matches against Benfica and Lecce, not just one match.

Amorim discussed Luka Modrić, emphasizing that the player needs long possession of the ball to show his best form, and he does not want to make hasty judgments about his level from one match to another.

He said: "I don't know if he will play tomorrow, but Luka is an important player in our team and will help us throughout the season." He also confirmed that Milan do not have a fixed starting lineup, explaining that winning titles requires relying on all team members, before revealing that Omari Hutchinson is ready to participate and can start against Benfica.