Milan midfield legend Roberto Donadoni believes Ruben Amorim needs time to get his ideas across in Serie A, but he urges the Rossoneri to find greater consistency in results and performances if they want to compete in the 2026-27 season. “I hope that, as the season goes on, there will be fewer ups and downs.”
Donadoni discusses Amorim, Ramos, Cisse and Milan-Bologna
Donadoni, who won six league titles and three Champions Leagues during his decade at Milan, spoke about the Rossoneri’s current situation and the start of Amorim’s adventure at San Siro in an interview given on Wednesday to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Milan is one of four teams still unbeaten in Serie A ahead of the ninth matchday, scheduled midweek. The Rossoneri’s record stands at five wins and three draws. Amorim’s only defeats since beginning his Milan experience have come in the Europa League, where the team has lost two of its first three matches in the competition. The most recent was a heavy 3-0 loss against AFC Bournemouth.
According to Donadoni, Amorim needs time to get the squad to absorb his ideas. Although the results achieved so far in the league are no cause for complaint, the former midfielder hopes Milan can find greater consistency in the coming weeks.
For now, however, Donadoni considers it premature to say that Amorim has already managed to completely turn the Rossoneri’s fortunes around.
Asked whether Milan looks like a new team under the Portuguese coach, Donadoni replied: “Honestly, no. But let me be clear: a coach doesn’t necessarily have to bring something new. Amorim certainly has his ideas, which he must convey to the team, and inevitably he will need time.”
Speaking about the results achieved so far, he added: “They are what the club expected. I hope Milan can continue to grow and that, as the season progresses, there will be fewer ups and downs.
“We can’t complain about the results obtained so far, but for the moment Amorim’s team has shown a lack of consistency, and that is the aspect that needs work. If they manage to find consistency in results too, then the growth will be complete.”
Donadoni praises Cisse and defends Ramos
Donadoni also shared his opinion on Milan’s current strikers, focusing on young talent Alphadjo Cisse, the club’s record signing, and on Ramos.
“I really like Cisse. He can do many different things and he does them well,” Donadoni stated.
Regarding Ramos, often criticized for his finishing in front of goal, the former Rossonero came to his defense.
“I’ve read a lot of criticism of him. It’s true, a striker has to score, but I don’t dislike him. He won’t always be precise in front of goal, but he is still involved in the play, in the sense that he works hard for his teammates. I therefore believe he deserves to be appreciated, while waiting for him to fully express his potential, because he certainly doesn’t lack quality.”
Milan-Bologna, Donadoni: “The win matters most to the Rossoneri”
On Wednesday evening Milan will face Bologna in Serie A. Donadoni spent ten years at the Rossoneri as a player and coached the Rossoblu for three seasons. It was inevitable, then, to ask him which of the two teams needs a win more.
“I think it’s more important for Milan, who will then have to face the derby. Going into that match with a win would be the ideal scenario.
“For Bologna, on the other hand, it will be important to understand whether they can get back to beating one of the big teams, after the home defeat against Inter. It has already happened in their recent history and we will see whether it happens again.”
Donadoni finally revealed that he had been contacted by Milan in the past for the head coach role, although on that occasion circumstances did not allow an agreement to be reached.
“Before my experience in China, there were some contacts with Milan. The affection was certainly there, as was the desire to have another experience with the Rossoneri. However, at that moment I had already made a commitment to Shenzhen and I believe that words and promises have value.”