Milan will take their Europa League response to Salzburg on Thursday, with Ruben Amorim asking his side to turn disappointment into points after the draw at Sassuolo and the opening home defeat to Benfica.
The Rossoneri travel to the Red Bull Arena for the second matchday of the competition knowing that the early group-stage picture demands a result. Their league visit to Reggio Emilia ended without the win they wanted, but Amorim insisted that the schedule leaves little room for dwelling on frustration.
“We are still at the beginning, but we want to improve while collecting points,” Amorim said ahead of the match. “Every game matters and this will be a difficult one. Salzburg are known for their intensity, so we will need to be physically strong.”
He said the squad had felt the setback against Sassuolo, while stressing that Milan must keep their focus on the matches ahead. “We have many games coming up. We have to look forward and do everything possible to win.”
Camarda set for a larger role
Francesco Camarda is expected to receive more time on the pitch in Austria after impressing in training. Amorim stopped short of confirming whether the young forward would start, but made clear that he will be more involved.
“He has trained well and tomorrow he will have another opportunity,” the coach said. “I will not tell you whether he will be in the starting side, but he will have more minutes. You can draw your own conclusions from that.”
Amorim described youth players training alongside senior professionals every day as a reason they must be prepared when called upon. Milan trusted Camarda during the summer and now need to see what he can offer in a competitive setting.
“You cannot know what a player can do until you see him on the field,” he said. “He looks ready and confident to me, and he gives us another option.”
Camarda, who recently extended his Milan contract, expressed pride in the renewal and thanked both the coaching staff and club directors. He also underlined that the group must adapt to whichever defensive system is selected.
“We are professionals and have played with both a back three and a back four,” he said. “The important thing is understanding clearly what we have to do. Whether it is three or four changes little if I follow the instructions.”
Rotation and midfield choices
Amorim is considering changes, with some players still doubtful and a final assessment planned on the morning of the game. He rejected the suggestion that rotation would create unnecessary risk, saying those selected have already shared the pitch together, even if only for short periods.
“The responsibility is mine,” he said. “The players should not think about that. They will be ready.”
Milan also have several options in midfield, where the coach said selection can depend as much on opportunity as on individual form. Alex Comotto was highlighted for his recent work, although Amorim added that he is far from the only younger player making an impression.
“He is doing very well, as are others,” Amorim said. “They are at Milan now, where even a draw can be treated like a disaster.”
Pavlovic faces former club
Strahinja Pavlovic is among the players prepared for a demanding evening against his former club. Amorim said he had spoken extensively with the defender about his specific responsibilities, rather than asking him for inside information on Salzburg.
“A lot of time has passed and the team has changed greatly since he was there,” Amorim said.
The Milan coach expects a quick, technical opponent with talented players accustomed to winning. He also addressed the scrutiny around the club’s recent results, saying such pressure comes with managing a leading side.
“I understood that from the Juventus match,” Amorim said. “I have work to do and I leave the noise to other people. When I look at the team, we are improving: we create more and press better. At a top club, if you do not win, these things are normal.”
Amorim will hold his pre-match press conference at 18:30 at the Red Bull Arena, before Milan seek their first Europa League points of the campaign in Salzburg.
