MILAN — Following a victory at the San Siro, manager Ruben Amorim addressed the media to discuss squad decisions, summer transfer interest, and a noticeable dip in performance during the fixture. Speaking to reporters in the press room, Amorim revealed fresh details surrounding full-back Pervis Estupinan, whose future at the club was heavily discussed during the summer transfer window.
According to SempreMilan, Estupinan appeared close to joining Aston Villa before the manager intervened, instructing the management team to halt any potential sale until he could properly evaluate the player’s capabilities in training and matches.
Transfer Interest and Managerial Responsibility
When questioned by journalists about his decision to continuously trust Estupinan in delicate tactical situations despite mixed reactions from supporters, Amorim took full responsibility for keeping the Ecuadorian defender in Milan.
“Even at other clubs, sometimes the fans don’t like certain players too much. We have to help Estupinan, we have to help the fans understand who Estupinan is, and I can assure you that Estupinan works really hard,” Amorim stated in remarks relayed by SempreMilan. “He’s a player who has played in the Premier League, and I can assure you that at the end of the transfer window, we had a list of clubs that wanted him. But I said no. So I want the fans to know that it was my responsibility.”
Amorim emphasized that his selection decisions are rooted in professional conviction, adding that he firmly believes the former Premier League defender will become a vital contributor as the season progresses. The manager also stressed the importance of collective solidarity within the dressing room, noting that any individual struggles are shared by the entire squad.
Analyzing the Second-Half Performance Drop
Beyond personnel decisions, the head coach faced questions regarding a distinct shift in momentum and a performance drop after the team secured their third goal against Atalanta. Observers noted a stark contrast between the dominant opening hour and the nervy conclusion at the San Siro.
Addressing whether the sudden decline was physical exhaustion or psychological fatigue, Amorim rejected simple physical excuses. “We played well for 60 minutes. I won’t say it was just due to fatigue, because a minute earlier, when everything was going well, they weren’t tired, and then the situation changed completely. So it’s mainly a mental factor,” he explained.
The manager pointed out that psychological factors dictate physical sensations once an opponent regains belief. As Atalanta pushed forward, the match dynamic transformed, highlighting the unpredictable nature of top-tier football. Amorim concluded that consistency will take time to build, stressing that securing results through difficult moments remains essential for competitive progress.