Ruben Amorim spoke to the media ahead of Milan’s game against Bournemouth and among other things, he explained why Alphadjo Cisse is starting as the centre-forward. 

Milan go into their third Europa League game of the campaign hoping to make it two wins from three, having beaten RB Salzburg one week ago. They followed that up with a rollercoaster victory against Atalanta at San Siro, where Amorim’s side nearly coughed up a three-goal lead.

Speaking of the head coach, he has opted to make six changes from the side that won at the weekend, with the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Pervis Estupinan, Ardon Jashari, Omari Hutchinson and Alphadjo Cisse all coming into the side.

Amorim’s pre-match comments

Ä few minutes ago, the coach was interviewed by Sky Italia (via MilanNews) and shared his thoughts on the game. As expected, he was asked about the decision to field Cisse at No.9, especially since Francesco Camarda is also available.

Why this starting lineup?

“It’s impossible to field the same eleven every game. We have four games in ten days, so rotation is a necessity. We can’t continue playing with the same eleven, especially considering the injuries.

“At the same time, we have a responsibility to fight and win every single match, so tonight we have to find the right balance to get the three points.”

Cisse at No.9. Do you think he has the right characteristics to play there?

“Yes, he will play as a striker because he has exactly the characteristics we are looking for in this specific match. It won’t be easy for their central defenders to mark him or keep him under control.

“He’s a very young player, with enormous room for growth, and he turns twenty today. We have enormous faith in him.”

Why didn’t start Camarda up front?

“They have different characteristics. I analysed Bournemouth’s centre-backs and I believe Cisse has the right qualities to break them down. He had also already played this role with Italy’s U21S, so for me, he’s the right choice for this specific match. Simply that.”