Ruben Amorim spoke before Milan's Serie A derby against Inter on Saturday 31 October, addressing the significance of the match and Milan's league aims. Inter lead the table on 25 points, ahead of second-placed Lazio on goal difference, while Milan are fifth with 18.
Cardinale's support
Speaking to Football Italia, Amorim said: "I really appreciate Cardinale's support. We knew beforehand that we could not build strong foundations with such problems throughout the season. It will take some time, but at the same time we want to win every match, and when we do not win we feel great pain. We need time to build the team, and we know that good things require time to reach a stage of stability, but that does not cancel out the pain of defeat, which is still present."
Why the derby stands out
Asked what sets the Milan derby apart from other leagues, Amorim said: "I think it is an exceptional match because it is played in the same city, and yesterday we saw the plans for the new stadium. It is a unique competition, but it also carries a deep bond, two great teams in the same city sharing one stadium."
He added: "I do not think you could find a context like this anywhere else. It is a truly special thing. But if we look at Portuguese culture, the feeling is exactly the same, the sense of responsibility to win, and the passion of the fans is very similar. The football culture here is much closer to that found in Portugal. In England, it is a little different. There is great competition, but the spirit remains more sporting. Here you feel that Latin element which we also experience in Portugal, so I really think it will be a special match."
Amorim also said: "Everyone knows it is a special match and a special moment, and when you play it, the context does not matter, nor does it matter whether you feel exhausted. You have to go out onto the pitch and give everything you have, and we will be there."
Milan's objective
On Milan's target, Amorim said: "You must always talk about the Scudetto as the main objective when you are at Milan, but we have dropped too many points and we have to put things right. We must focus only on improving the team step by step."
His comments on Chivu
Asked what he envied about Inter coach Cristian Chivu, Amorim said: "I do not envy Chivu at all because I am already in the right place, which is Milan and not Inter. This is my nature, and this is my character."
He also said of Chivu: "He is very nice. We were complaining a little about the timing of the presentation ceremony because we played the night before. He won, so he was happier than me, but we had a match to prepare for and that was our priority."
