AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim left TV pundits stunned with his answer to a question about why Alphadjo Cisse was left on the bench against Atalanta, despite the Italian scoring a hat-trick last time out against RB Salzburg in the Europa League.

Scoring a hat-trick in a match, especially in European competition, usually guarantees a player a starting spot in the next game, but this was not the case for Milan’s Cisse.

Milan put four past RB Salzburg last week, with Cisse notching three strikes in a convincing win over the Austrian side.

Why did Ruben Amorim drop Alphadjo Cisse for Atalanta clash?

The 19-year-old Italian may have expected to see his name on the team sheet ahead of Milan’s 3-2 win over Atalanta at the San Siro on Sunday (October 18), but this wasn’t the case, as Christian Pulisic got the nod from Amorim.

Given the result, Amorim’s risky decision paid off, but why did he make it in the first place?

The Portuguese spoke to DAZN after the match and broke down exactly why he made the controversial call.

Amorim explained: “Every game is a different story, the opponent is completely different. I am not going to use a player just because he did well in the last match; the characteristics are completely different.

“We must also remember Cisse is not accustomed to playing back-to-back games, so he needs to be ready to get on the pitch if he has the opportunity to score one more goal.”

Ruben Amorim decision divides AC Milan fanbase

Fans also reacted to Amorim’s surprise decision on social media, with supporters offering a mixed reaction.

One said: “Scores a hat-trick and still has to prove himself again. Amorim treats goals like a job interview where even a perfect performance doesn’t guarantee the next shift.”

Another added: “In other words, if the team wins it’s because of his tactics. Players cannot be the focus of the team. Egocentric. He won't be able to manage big players.”

A third claimed: “Managers say this every season and then act shocked when the player loses confidence and demands out. Cissé should be knocking on his door rn.”

A fourth commented: “Resting your hat-trick hero Cissé against a team like Atalanta and still emerging victorious is no small feat. Take your flowers, Amorim. You are really cooking good.”

Milan return to action away at Bournemouth in the Europa League on October 22 before facing Udinese in Serie A on October 25.