MVP winner Chukwueze happy to play as a wing-back as Amorin explains Modric’s role
AC Milan star Samuel Chukwueze has said he is happy to play as a wing-back all season if needed, after a strong performance against Torino.
Doubts naturally arose when it emerged that Ruben Amorim intended to deploy Chukwueze as a wing-back, since it is not a position he has played. However, there were bright signs in preseason, and he got the nod on the right for the season opener.
The Nigerian was not only the Rossoneri's main attacking threat, but his defensive work was impressive at times too. He covered the entire flank and contributed in both phases, finally getting his reward with an assist for Adrien Rabiot’s goal to make it 2-0.
Chukwueze spoke to DAZN after the game alongside Alphadjo Cisse, who got the opening goal. The former Villarreal man was named Player of the Match, and MilanNews reported his words.
“I’m happy to be back like this; it gives me confidence. I wanted to start the season like this; I’m happy. But now that’s already in the past, let’s focus on the next one.”
Are you ready to go up and down the wing all season?
“I’m ready; it’s my job. I’ll give it my all.”
Elsewhere, Ruben Amorim has explained his decision to leave Luka Modric on the bench for his first Serie A match in charge of Milan, saying the veteran midfielder is not yet conditioned to last a full game.
The Portuguese coach told Sky Sport Italia shortly before kick-off at Torino: “We have to understand that the game lasts 90 minutes. Musah is playing very well, and Modric will also give something extra, but I know he doesn’t have 90 minutes in his legs. His experience can be useful to us in the closing stages.”
Yunus Musah takes his place instead, with Modric held back as an option once the game opens up.
Asked for his feelings ahead of the debut, Amorim said: “Enthusiasm, that’s the main word. There’s a bit of anxiety too, but I’m confident. The team has worked well, it’s growing well, and we want to win. And we have to show it on the pitch.”
The Milan end was full, something the coach had anticipated. “Not a surprise, I know the Milan fans,” he said. “I’ve been watching them since I was a child and for me it’s a dream, I feel a greater responsibility in this role.”
On what he had said to Goncalo Ramos, Amorim was brief: “I said the same things to him that I said to everyone. For me they are all equal.”
The remarks chime with Strahinja Pavlovic’s own pre-match comments, the defender revealing that Amorim wants his side controlling possession for the full 90 minutes, a demand that helps explain the caution over Modric.
