Ruben Amorim vented his frustration both in the dressing room and in public after AC Milan fell to a 2–0 defeat against Ferencváros in the Europa League on November 6, 2026, leaving the team struggling in 28th place in the standings after four rounds of matches.
Lenny Joseph scored both goals for Ferencváros during Thursday’s fixture, sealing a shock result at San Siro that marked Amorim’s fourth defeat since taking over as Milan coach this summer. Three of those losses have come in the Europa League group stage. Speaking to reporters after the match, the Portuguese manager did not hide his disappointment regarding the squad’s approach, describing the first half in particular as completely indefensible.
Amorim Rejects Rotation Claims After Defeat
Addressing the press, Amorim rejected any notion that squad rotation or technical deficiencies caused the defeat. He pointed instead to a lack of mental preparedness compared to their previous weekend outing.
It is not about the starting eleven, because our squad is deep enough that some players can step in for others. I cannot defend anything about the first half—there is no explanation for it. We could not control the game, and there are no excuses for this performance
Ruben Amorim, Milan coach
The manager noted that the team’s reaction to losing possession failed to match the intensity they showed during their derby victory over Inter. In addition to his public comments, Amorim delivered a stern assessment behind closed doors in the locker room, telling his players that wearing the club jersey carries a fundamental sense of responsibility.
Ruben Amorim sent a strong message to his Milan players after their shocking 2-0 Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros. ‘We have to improve, otherwise it’s over.’#ACMilan #Ferencvaros #MilanFerencvaros #Calcio #SerieA #UEL pic.twitter.com/pOwkQzaGUe
— https://x.com/footballitalia/status/2118479252526129166
If you wear the Milan shirt you have a responsibility, you cannot take to the pitch like that.
Ruben Amorim, Milan coach
Half-Time Substitution Focuses on Cisse and Supporting Cast
Alphadjo Cisse, who recently earned his first call-up to the Italy national team, was removed at half-time after struggling to impact the match beyond receiving a booking. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 20-year-old forward had already been given warnings by the coach in the past to prevent him from getting too carried away by his start to the season. Alongside Cisse, players including Bartesaghi, Terracciano, Jashari, and Musah also fell under scrutiny for their performances, and Amorim acknowledged offering some self-criticism by noting that perhaps he got things wrong too in the last few days.
However, Amorim made it clear that the blame extended beyond the younger or fringe players who featured in the starting lineup.
Rotation has nothing to do with it,
Ruben Amorim, former Manchester United boss
Looking Ahead to the Europa League Fight
Milan must quickly shift their focus forward in the European competition, with the 41-year-old coach admitting that his players need to change their approach urgently as they are currently unable to play with the necessary focus every three or four days. The club will travel to Greece in three weeks to face Olympiacos in the fifth round, while Ferencváros prepares to host Slovenian side Celje.
Perhaps I did something wrong in the last few days,
Ruben Amorim, Milan coach
Amorim emphasized that the squad still wants to advance in the tournament, despite the Portuguese coach noting that they were simply not ready to play football during a performance that left everyone stunned at San Siro.
More on Europa League
👀 Ruben #Amorim addressed the team in the dressing room after the final whistle yesterday. "We were not ready…" 💬 No excuses from the #Milan coach after another loss in the Europa League.https://t.co/6zU7JgQKgQ
— https://x.com/MilanReportscom/status/2118622983086354476
https://x.com/i/status/2118433299559219373