Gila’s Honest Milan Assessment: ‘We’re a Europa League Team with Scudetto Ambitions’

Defender Mario Gila supports Ruben Amorim’s coaching approach, recognizing that the team is still building momentum.

Speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, Gila described Amorim as a coach who instills grit and adopts an aggressive pressing style, fitting for modern European football. He emphasized that the project is in its early stages and requires time for results to materialize.

Gila elaborated on Amorim's demands, noting that the coach expects comprehensive contributions from players. While tactical rigidity might be less pronounced, the focus is on effective ball progression from the defense. He stated that contemporary football requires proficiency in all game phases. Despite the coach's demanding nature, Gila highlighted Amorim's calm demeanor, stemming from his understanding of the project's infancy. He affirmed Amorim's sound intentions and ideas, expressing satisfaction with his presence on the team.

Gila offered a candid assessment of Milan's current standing following their failure to secure Champions League qualification last season. He believes the team's current level places them in the Europa League.

"We need to work now," Gila stated. "The main goal is to reach the Champions League and contend for the Scudetto. We are Milan, and we must approach this with ambition. Last year, we had a good season but didn't make it to the Champions League. So, we are a Europa League team, but with Champions League and Scudetto ambitions."

This self-assessment appears accurate, as Milan's initial performance under Amorim has been steady rather than dominant, with three wins and two draws in their first Serie A matches. The coach's team selections have already faced scrutiny. Gila, who joined from Lazio in the summer, has been a consistent presence in the defensive line.